Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of active duty soldiers attending the ArmyMOVE! weight management program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of Active Duty Soldiers attending the ArmyMOVE! (AM!) weight management program at three locations in Texas. METHODS: A 40-question survey on weight-loss attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors was administered to participants before receiving the AM! education. RESULTS: The response rate was 82.8% (n = 312). The sample was predominantly obese (64.3%), male (81.7%), and enlisted (95.3%). Only 30% were able to correctly identify their weight status using body mass index. The majority felt that weight standards were achievable (47%) and were confident in their ability to make diet (88.8%) and exercise (87.5%) changes; though most felt the tape test was not an accurate measure of body composition (71.5%). Soldiers reported using suboptimal weight-loss behaviors including diet pills (48.7%), sweat suits/saunas (44.9%), fasting (45.3%), and herbal supplements (31.1%), whereas the majority were not achieving proven recommendations for weight loss including adequate fruit (57%) and vegetable (93%) intake and adequate sleep duration (80%). CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated AM! participants are using suboptimal methods of weight loss, few are following the Army Surgeon General's guidelines for nutrition and sleep, and an increased intensity of the AM! program is desired by the participants.