Healthy and unhealthy weight loss practices of Latino women at a college in USA

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to collect information from college Hispanic women to identify healthy and unhealthy weight loss practices used for weight control. A total of 217 participants completed a survey of which 100 who reported going on a special diet to lose weight where assessed on the weight loss practices used, and their demographic characteristics. The hypothesis was that Hispanic females who try to lose weight do not engage in unhealthy weight loss practices. The results revealed healthy practices more often than unhealthy ones. Nevertheless, the use of unhealthy weight loss practices among sorne Hispanic females may be more common than one would expect, and prevention campaigns should consider these results for future public health programs. © 2009 Sociedad Chilena de Psicología Clínica.