Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Clinical Nutrition
Date of Award
5-2020
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Michelle Lee
Committee Members
Michelle Johnson, Elizabeth Hall
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine individuals’ perceptions of weight loss and weight loss methods. Respondents were employees and customers attending health/wellness events at local supermarkets in June, July, and August 2019. Participants completed a survey to assess their understanding and perceptions of weight loss and methods used to achieve weight loss. The majority of participants were white females, 60 years or older with a college degree and a Body Mass Index (BMI) classified as overweight or obese. Data revealed most participants had a variety of misconceptions relating to weight loss and weight loss methods that were obscure and fad-diet oriented, including low-carbohydrate diets. Participants did understand benefits of weight loss but expressed maintaining weight loss was a challenge. These findings suggest that fad diets are alluring to individuals and individuals did not incorporate evidence-based behavior changes to promote or sustain weight loss.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Seiber, Andrew, "Examination of Perceptions of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Methods" (2020). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3699. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3699
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.