Beliefs about the causes of weight change in the Australian population

OBJECTIVE: To describe self-reported weight change and beliefs about the ca uses of weight change and to examine whether these vary by sex and weight s tatus. DESIGN: This cross-sectional population study examined data from the 1995 A ustralian National Health and Nutrition Surveys. SUBJECTS: A total of 10 624 randomly-selected adults provided data. MEASURES: Objectively measured height and weight, perceptions of current we ight status, self-reported weight change over the past year, and reasons fo r weight change. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent of participants reported a weight gain in the last 12 months, with females, and those already overweight more likely to r eport a recent increase in weight. Approximately one in five participants r eported a recent weight loss. Those who had recently gained weight were mor e likely to perceive themselves as overweight regardless of actual weight s tatus. Commonly reported reasons for weight gain included a change in physi cal activity level (52% males and 35% females) and a change in the amount o f food/drink consumed (30% males, 27% females). Similar reasons were given for weight loss. CONCLUSIONS: Findings of widespread reported weight gain, particularly amon g those already overweight, suggest Australia's obesity epidemic may be wor sening. Strategies are urgently required to better inform individuals about the factors impacting on their weight in order to prevent further weight g ain.