Weight Loss Practices Among Malaysian Adults

Abstract

The practice of losing weight is gaining popularity globally with an increase in health consciousness among the general public. A survey was conducted in seven shopping centres in Kuala Lumpur and its neighbouring towns to assess the weight-loss practices of the general public. Out of the 1032 people approached by the researcher, 389 (37.7%) admitted that they had tried to lose weight before. Of these respondents, 50.4% had the wrong perceptions about their weight with 39.1% of the respondents having BMI lower than what they had perceived. The most common weight-loss method used was dieting (89.5%), followed by exercise (81%) and the use of slimming teas (24.9%). Exercise (79.0%) was perceived as the most effective method for losing weight, followed by dieting (71.6%). Most respondents (60.6%) obtained their weight-loss products from the pharmacies but only 34.9% of these respondents had consulted the pharmacists on these products. Therefore, pharmacists should play a more active role in assisting the general public to lose weight successfully and safely.

Body size perceptions and weight status of adults in a nigerian rural community

“…About 54% and 45% of men and women accurately perceived themselves in self-verbal and visual perception respectively in the present study. This was similar to the findings of previous studies,[ 13 25 ] who reported that 49.6% and 60% of men and women accurately perceived their weight respectively. More than 1/3 rd and about half underestimated themselves in verbal and visual perception respectively in the present study; this may reduce the motivation for an overweight person to lose weight.…”

Prevalence of weight-loss strategies and use of substances for weight-loss among adults: a population study

“…Prevalence was less than that identified by Weiss et al 32 , using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data in 2002, than that observed in a Malaysian study carried out by Kong et al 24 and that found by Kruger et al 14 in a study involving the NHIS in 1998.…”

“…Nonetheless, few publications evaluate the use of these substances at the population level. Blank et al 23 and a Malaysian study carried out by Konget al 24 , showed that approximately 10% of adults used some herbal product for weight loss. Also, the National Physical Activity and Weight-loss Survey in 2002 25 , found a higher than 15% prevalence rate.…”

“…In an article published in 1998, Lima et al 22 found a 1.3% prevalence of amphetamine use among adults. International data, although scarce, suggests high consumption of substances for weightloss, which appears unaccompanied by adequate counseling and emphasis on lifestyle modification 23,24,25,26 .…”

Prevalence of personal weight control attempts in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…This is of considerable relevance because accurate information in this area should assist in the evaluation of changes and trends worldwide, in setting priorities for public health initiatives and in planning management of weight control services. (16,19,23,24,32,34,35,38,46,52,53,58,59,86) 4 828 1.21 (16,38,52,58) Use laxatives or diuretics 2, 7 10 13,067 2.92 (15,16,34,35,38,46,52,53,58,86) 5 679 6.19 (15,16,38,52,58) Eat diet foods or products 1, 5 (15,16) *Prevalence indicates the number of respondents out of n study sample that reported using strategies for trying to lose or maintain weight. 1 Study (46) was not accounted for sample size or prevalence rate in this strategy because of assessment differences (several low-calorie foods were assessed separately).…”