Weight Management Challenges and Facilitators in Adult Maltese Women ^†

Abstract

Obesity and overweight rates in Malta are high. Recent studies report that nearly one third of Maltese women are affected by obesity and another third are in the overweight category, respectively the causes of obesity are complex and multifactorial, highlighting the need to further understand the main issues within a specific target population to develop effective and sustainable weight loss strategies. The overall aims of this local study were to investigate the main weight management challenges and facilitators experienced by Maltese women. An adapted, translated, and anonymised quantitative survey targeting adult Maltese females aged 18–65 years was shared in local media from November till December 2020. The questionnaire addressed weight loss (WL) strategies utilised; WL influences; barriers to WL (using close-ended questions); and suggestions for weight loss programmes (WLP) (using open-ended questions). Results were analysed using SPSS software (IBM, version 27). Data analysis included Chi- squared, Friedman and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Results: 193 respondents returned the survey. The majority (n = 93, 48.2%) were aged between 18–29 years; over half had a tertiary education level (n = 112, 58%), and they had a median Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.3 kg/m². The three most commonly reported weight loss methods were ‘calorie controlled’ (n = 129, 66.8%), ‘fasting’ (n = 61, 31.6%), and the ‘Mediterranean diet (based on local dietary guidelines)’ (n = 51, 26.4%). Respondents thought that ‘drinking more water’; ‘consuming smaller food portions’; and ‘removing sugary products’ helped WL, whereas ‘being abroad’ or being ‘sad or stressed’ did not (mean rating scores [MRS]: 4.19, 4.13, 4.11, 3.97, 3.90, respectively). The main barriers to exercise were ‘lack of motivation’; and ‘finding it difficult to stick with routine’ (MRS: 3.24 and 3.16). Suggestions for WL included receiving more educational information (n = 20, 31.2%), making WL/exercise programmes affordable (n = 14, 21.9%), and receiving more support (n = 7, 10.9%). This local study pinpoints issues such as cost, motivation, and mental wellbeing considerations. The development of frameworks for further guidance and support on sustainable and healthy weight loss is suggested.