Adult women weight problem and examination of attenuation behaviors in Elaziğ city center

Obesity is a major public health problem increasing prevalence in Turkey and in the World. The aim of this study was to investigate the weight problem, slimming behaviors and to determine the factors affecting these behaviors of adult women living in Elazığ city center. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 315 female adults (322 people). Women in the scope of the research; The questionnaire, which includes questions to examine socio-demographic characteristics, weight problem and weight loss behavior, was exercised by face-to-face interview method. Height and weight measurements were made by the researcher. Data were recorded by SPSS 22.0 statistical package program and this program was used for error controls, tables and statistical analyzes. The mean age of the women included in the study was 41.0±13.8 (min: 19, max: 73 years). The mean weight of women was 67.33±12.60 kg, the mean height was 163.57±6.44 cm and the mean BMI was 26.96±3.74. The age group 45-59 has the highest average BMI. The proportion of overweight and obese is 54.6%. 56.8% of women reported that they used slimming method in any period of their life. It was found that the most commonly used method was less eating/calorie calculation (46.9%), and 65.4% gained weight after quitting the method. Experience weigh problems are seen more in the women whose age is between 45-59, bad perception of socio-economic level, non-regular nutrition; the use of slimming method was found to be significantly higher in the women whose age is between 30-44, married, employees, high monthly income, experience weight problems (p <0.05). As a result, it is seen that there is a weight problem in women and more than half of women have attenuation behavior, but wrong attenuation methods can be tried instead of getting professional help. Regulations should be made to prevent weight problems in adult women and to develop healthy and effective weight loss behaviors. Preventive and therapeutic services should be applied by evaluating risk factors related to weight problems and weight loss behaviors.