Title
Sociodemographic, attitudinal, and behavioral correlates of using nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites: An online survey
Date Issued
01 April 2019
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Publisher(s)
JMIR Publications Inc.
Abstract
Background: Nutrition, diet, and fitness are among the most searched health topics by internet users. Besides that, health-related internet users are diverse in their motivations and individual characteristics. However, little is known about the individual characteristics associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the individual factors associated with the usage of nutrition, weight loss, and fitness websites. Methods: An invitation to an online survey was published on 65 websites and discussion forums. In total, we employed data from 623 participants (aged 13 to 39 years, mean 24.11 [SD 5.26]). The measures included frequency of usage of nutrition, weight loss and fitness websites, excessive exercise, eating disorder symptomatology, internalization of the beauty ideal, weight status, and perceived online social support. Participants' data were used as predictors in a base linear regression model. Results: The final model had an acceptable fit (χ2 10 =14.1; P=.17; root mean square error of approximation=0.03; comparative fit index=0.99; Tucker-Lewis index=0.99). Positive associations were found between usage of (1) nutrition websites and being female, higher levels of excessive exercise, and perceived online social support; (2) weight loss websites and excessive exercise, internalization, being female, eating disorder symptomatology, and being overweight or obese; and (3) fitness websites and levels of excessive exercise, internalization, and frequency of internet use. Conclusions: The results highlighted the importance of individual differences in the usage of health-related websites.
Volume
21
Issue
4
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Demografía
Nutrición, Dietética
Psicología
Subjects
DOI
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85064239921
PubMed ID
Source
Journal of Medical Internet Research
ISSN of the container
14388871
Sponsor(s)
The authors acknowledge the support of the Czech Science Foundation (THINLINE-GA15-05696S) and the Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, the Czech Republic.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus