March 11, 2010 – Trying to lose weight in a group by creating a healthy competition between the participants would be the ideal recipe to encourage overweight men to lose weight.
This is what we can conclude from the presentation of Martine Fortier, Executive Director of the EquiLibre Weight Action Group.1, carried out as part of the Annual Public Health Days (JASP)2.
Dealing with the challenges of communicating with men about diet and lifestyle habits, Martine Fortier presented the basics of the Healthy Enterprises program that the organization has developed for men so that they adopt healthy habits. healthier life.
Little concerned about their weight and health
More than 55% of men are overweight, according to the latest Canadian survey of local communities, cited by Martine Fortier.
“And since excess weight is generally lodged around the waist in men, they are more exposed to cardiovascular disorders and certain cancers,” she said.
However, men are much less concerned about their weight than women. They even perceive themselves to be thinner than they actually are when they look in the mirror – unlike women who see themselves as more plump.
In fact, few overweight men attempt to lose weight on their own. “Studies show us that when they force themselves to a diet or to move more, the decision comes from factors external to them, of which the spouse or even the disease”, she affirmed.
Moreover, men generally wait for the onset of a symptom or disease before seeing a doctor. “Because they generally feel less vulnerable to the disease than women, they are reluctant to take a preventive approach,” said Martine Fortier.
Competition and fun on the menu
To instill a preventive attitude in men, ÉquiLibre has opted for a strategy that takes into account the specific characteristics of men.
And since the organization is predominantly made up of women, male designers were brought in, in addition to creating a male advisory committee.
We have been told that with men, we should be neither directive nor restrictive: asking them to cut off the small beer before dinner, that does not work, ”said Martine Fortier.
Paradoxically, men want to choose for themselves the procedure to be followed, but they are more inclined to modify their behavior in groups.
Thus, a typical intervention in a company will consist in setting a collective goal of weight loss, while allowing competition to play out between individuals. They will compare their weight with each other, and this emulation would encourage them to want to win the challenge as a group.
“Guys like to have a sense of freedom, but at the same time they tend to be competitive, which is why a workplace intervention that gives way to some competition is a formula they are likely to adhere to. », Explained Martine Fortier.
A program to perfect
For now, the ÉquiLibre program for men is based on the concept of the automotive world. An example? “You take care of your chariot, take care of your body too. “
The program also emphasizes the importance of regularly undergoing “verification tests”, including messages reminding that “driving with overweight has an impact on the condition of the vehicle”.
“We are aware that not all men are challenged by the automotive world, admits Martine Fortier. But it is a start. Other programs could be inspired by professional sport, for example.
But to be successful, the environment must work together. “Employers must believe in it and also get on board: it cannot be an approach that only addresses employees,” she added.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
1. To find out more about ÉquiLibre: www.equilibre.ca [consulté le 11 mars 2010].
2. The Annual Public Health Days (JASP) take place in Montreal from March 9 to 12, 2010. To find out more about the JASP: www.inspq.qc.ca [consulté le 11 mars 2010].
