Abstract
Despite efforts, attempts to induce successful long term weight loss remain a problem in obesity research, with the majority of those who lose weight unable to control or sustain the loss. It is accepted that in order to bring about more successful approaches to weight management, it is vital to determine the psychosocial factors that underpin weight control capability. Previous research has demonstrated that successful weight maintainers and less successful overweight individuals display different patterns of weight control behaviours (1). The present study aims to explore weight control practices and help-seeking behaviours in an overweight sample from 8 European countries. Data were collected as part of the EU project DiOGenes – a pan-European project which aims to refine understanding of the individual genetic, dietary and behavioural factors influencing weight control, and how these factors interact. Participants of a pan-European dietary intervention trial (n ~ 700) completed a set of online questionnaires relating to their weight control practices and help-seeking behaviours before entering the trial such as use of antiobesity medication, commercial products and help from health professionals. Objective weight measurements were recorded at baseline as well as self-reported weight control history. The results of this investigation will be presented, focussing on inter country differences in weight control behaviours. Differences in weight control behaviours and baseline weight status and previous weight history will be explored.