RELATIVE WEIGHTS AND ACTIVITY LEVELS OF CANADIAN DIETITIANS

Abstract

PURPOSE When counseling clients, dietitians often recommend healthy weights and active living. This study was conducted to determine to what extent these recommendations are reflected in dietitians' personal lifestyles. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to a randomly-selected sample of Canadian dietitians (n=695). It sought information on self-reported height and weight (used to calculate Body Mass Index [BMI;kg/m2]), the proportion presently trying to lose weight, the number of times per week ≥30 min of moderate aerobic activity was accumulated, and the proportion who thought they were getting enough exercise. With 2 follow-up mailings, the response rate was 74%. Only 9 respondents were men, so analyses were restricted to women. RESULTS Mean BMI was 23.2±4.0: 70% were in the healthy weight range (BMI 18.5–24.9), 15% were overweight (BMI 25–29.9) and 12% were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Overall, 32% of dietitians were currently trying to lose weight, and this was related to BMI category: 27% of healthy weight, 51% of overweight and 50% of obese dietitians were trying to lose weight. With regard to exercise, 33% accumulated ≥30 min of activity ≥2 times/wk, 40% did so 3–4 times/wk and 27% did so ≥5 times/wk. Exercise frequency was not associated with BMI, which averaged 23.6±3.9, 22.7±3.4 and 23.3±5.0 for the 3 exercise groups, respectively. Altogether, 66% felt they did not get enough exercise, and this was strongly related to exercise frequency: only 2% of those active ≥2 times/wk thought they got enough exercise, compared to 38% and 70% of those active 3–4 and ≥5 times/wk (P<0.001). However, regardless of actual activity level, those who thought they weren't getting enough exercise had higher BMI (23.4±3.6 vs 22.6±4.5, P<0.05). CONCLUSION Most Canadian dietitians report BMI within the healthy range and activity levels consistent with recommendations. Those who are less active appear to be aware of the need to increase their activity. (Supported by a grant from the Canadian Foundation for Dietetic Research)