Emotionality and Attitude towards Body Size: A Cross-sectional Study among Adults in Mysore City

Obesity not only poses significant physical health risks but also deeply influences emotional well-being and societal acceptance. This cross-sectional study conducted in Mysore city, India, explores the relationship between emotionality and attitudes toward body size. A diverse sample of 444 adults participated, representing various age groups, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain the data on body weight perception, emotional experiences, and attitudes toward weight loss. Results reveal that though a significant portion of participants (males – 35.4% and females – 41.7%), particularly overweight and obese individuals, express dissatisfaction with their appearance, a prevalent desire to lose exists (P = 0.001). However, the actual participation in weight loss programs remains low (male – 21.1% and female – 30.7%), indicating a gap between aspiration and action. Reasons for nonparticipation include a lack of education on weight management and insufficient motivation. Importantly, participants who did engage in weight loss programs reported high rates (more than 60%) of relapse, with common reasons including reverting to previous lifestyles (males – 67% and fameless – 62%) and lack of motivation (males – 38% and females – 40%). The study suggests a need for more effective weight regulation programs that incorporate education, exercise, and dietary interventions. Governmental and non-governmental efforts, alongside media campaigns, are essential in fostering a supportive environment for sustainable weight management and emotional wellbeing in Indian populations