INTRODUCTION. Obesity has been recognized as a civilization disease of twenty-first century. Obesity itself is dangerous to human health and life. It may also lead to or coexist with various diseases. For many years doctors, researchers and experts in various health-related fields have been searching for the best treatment for obesity. But the question is if individuals struggling with obesity seize the opportunity for weight reduction and health improvement? The main objective of the study is to determine whether obese people take action to reduce their body weight. The study also aims to present methods of weight reduction that are most frequently chosen and used by respondents as well as determine how long obese people continue the therapy and what is its final effect.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. Authors’ own questionnaire survey was conducted between 1.02.2012 and 1.05.2012 on the group of 100 patients residing in Silesia province. For the purpose of this study a questionnaire was developed containing questions concerning respondents’ body weight reduction.
RESULTS. The majority of respondents struggling with obesity undertook one or several attempts to reduce body weight. The most frequently chosen methods were pharmacotherapy and weight-loss supplements. Most of the obese patients stopped anti-obesity treatment after few weeks.
CONCLUSIONS. The vast majority of weight loss attempts made by obese patient fail and the lack of effects and satisfaction with weight loss contributes to unwillingness of a significant proportion of respondents to make further attempts to reduce body weight.