Psychiatrist Says Gender Differences in Weight Loss Efforts Must be Addressed by Physicians, Dieters
Psychiatrist suggests addressing gender differences and other psychological issues key to weight loss, Physicians bias also a factor.
(PRWEB) February 9, 2005 -- Psychiatrist, Dr. Anthony J. Burlay, says despite
the $40 billion spent per year by dieters, his review of recent studies suggests
their dieting efforts’ failure to address the psychological differences between
men and women surrounding weight loss could lead to another unsuccessful diet.
Dr. Burlay calls on physicians and dieters to tailor weight loss plans which
address the specific needs of the dieter rather then a one-size-fits-all
plan.
Dr. Burlay’s review of studies revealed several points that he says
physicians and dieters must consider when evaluating or formulating a new diet
plan:
- Men often underestimate the degree of their obesity or amount of
extra weight, and have lower body and weight dissatisfaction then women;
-
Women are more overweight then men by age 25, though they generally have more
dieting experience;
- Women, more so than men, are emotional eaters, listing
overeating triggers such as moods, stress, depression, and low self-esteem;
-
Women score lower than men when measuring their estimates of their ability to
succeed in reaching a specific goal. While women’s scores generally improve
during weight loss, men’s scores stay the same;
- Men, more often than women
will exercise to lose weight, rather then change their
diet.
“Psychological factors are vital to consider in any weight loss
plan, given the impact on moment to moment eating choices,” says Dr. Burlay.
Without addressing the psychological needs of the dieter, whether accomplished
by the dieter alone or with the assistance of a physician, weight loss will be
extremely difficult and “the likelihood of sustained weight loss is virtually
non-existent,” says the Psychiatrist. Additionally, Dr. Burlay points out that
with such significant differences between the sexes, a “follow-the-list-of-foods
plan” which fails to address any psychology, is usually a waste of a dieter’s
effort and often leads to failure and further frustration.
Interestingly,
Dr. Burlay also revealed that physicians too need to address their own
tendencies toward their overweight and obese patients. External perceptions of
weight, more so then medical data, seem to influence a physician’s
recommendations. At a BMI of 25, physicians are more likely to recommend losing
weight to female patients while at a significantly higher BMI of 32, physicians
more often advise men to lose weight.
“Distinguishing which factors play
a greater role for either sex is important to ensure successful and sustainable
weight loss,” says Dr. Burlay. “Dieters must make a lifestyle change which
starts with a psychological assessment to assist them in making better food
choices,” he says. Physicians, Dr. Burlay suggests, must be aware of gender
differences and their own bias surrounding weight to help their patients succeed
in weight loss.
About Anthony J. Burlay, M.D.
Anthony J. Burlay, M.D.
is the author of “The Foundation Diet: Your Body Was Designed to Eat,”
(Zen-Fusion Publishing, $22.95) available at Amazon.com and major booksellers.
He attended medical school completed his Psychiatric Residency at the University
of Maryland at Baltimore and is Board certified in General and Addictions
Psychiatry. More information is available at www.FoundationDiet.com.
Media: Press Kit, EPK, photos,
and review copy information can be found at www.foundationdiet.com/media.htm.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/2/prweb207000.htm