Hygeia Public Health 2019, 54(3): 182-191pl

Attitudes towards health and nutrition and maintaining proper body weight among patients with Hashimoto´s disease

Justyna Janiszewska ^1/, Alicja Kucharska ^2/

1/ Zakład Dietetyki Klinicznej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny
2/ Zakład Żywienia Człowieka, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny

Summary
Introduction. Hashimoto´s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is believed that even subclinical hypothyroidism can influence body weight. The condition is also suggested to be an independent factor in the development of excessive weight and obesity. Proper attitudes towards health and nutrition, as well as healthy dietary habits, are key determinants of normal body weight in these patients.
Aim. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between attitudes towards health and nutrition, and maintenance of a normal body weight in patients with Hashimoto´s disease.
Material and methods. The study included 300 women with Hashimoto´s disease. The authors used the original questionnaire and the Health Behaviour Inventory by Z. Juczynski.
Results. The results of the study indicate that only 49.0% of women had normal nutritional status. As many as 69.0% of the respondents declared a problem with maintaining normal body weight. More than half of the women (55.7%) obtained a low eating behaviour score, which favours weight gain. Moreover, the highest percentage of women (40.7%) had a low health behaviour score.
Conclusions. Women with Hashimoto´s disease have a serious problem with maintaining normal body weight. This is enhanced by a low eating behaviour score favouring weight gain and insufficient physical activity. Proper eating habits and a high health behaviour score are crucial to reduce body weight and maintain it for a long time.

Key words:  Hashimoto´s disease, normal body weight, excessive body weight, attitudes towards health and nutrition