The Perceptions of and Attitudes Toward Obesity in Bulgarian Adults with a BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2—An Exploratory Study

TL;DR

This study explores how overweight and obese Bulgarians perceive their weight, finding many have unrealistic views and low motivation to take action.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into the self-perceptions and attitudes of overweight/obese adults in Bulgaria.

Findings

Over 50% of participants tried to lose weight, but few viewed their condition as serious.

Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle were the most cited causes of being overweight.

Only 12% of overweight and 40% of obese participants felt an urgent need to reduce weight.

Abstract

Background: Obesity affects 33.2% of the adult population in Bulgaria, and there is a scarcity of information about affected individuals’ attitudes toward their weight situation. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of obesity in affected adults. Methods: The present study involved a questionnaire-based survey that utilized home-based and tablet-assisted face-to-face interviews. Interviewees comprised individuals aged 25–64 y/o with a BMI > 25.0 kg/m2. Results: Overall, 704 respondents participated (344 overweight; 360 obese). Over 50% of participants reported attempts to reduce their weight, with only 6% of participants in the overweight group and 16% in the obese group perceiving their condition as worrisome. One-third of the obese participants considered their state temporary. The main cause for alarm in overweight/obese participants was a worsening overall physical condition in males and an increase in clothes size in females. The need for an urgent reduction in body weight was noted by 12% of the overweight respondents and 40% of the obese respondents. The reasons for being overweight were collated as a lack of physical activity (noted by 52% of participants), sedentary lifestyle (51%), stress/depression (41%), excessive consumption of carbohydrates (34%), general overconsumption of food (33%), and poor quality of food products (28%). Of note, 56% of the respondents had first consulted a medical professional about being overweight. Most respondents selected dieting without physical activity for weight reduction, with 48% stating that they would try drugs approved for weight reduction. Conclusions: Many overweight/obese individuals have an unrealistic self-perception and very low motivation to take active measures. These discrepancies offer great opportunities for better public education and structured, active strategies.

Figures