A recent University of Ghana study has shed light on the weight loss strategies employed by vendors at the Dansoman market in Accra. The study, which involved 150 vendors, found that most traders trying to lose weight skip meals and rely on social media and friends for advice, rather than consulting dietitians or nutrition professionals. This approach may not be effective, as evidence on the benefits of skipping meals for weight loss is mixed.
The study, supervised by Dr. Laurene Boateng, a Registered Dietitian and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana's Department of Dietetics, measured the vendors' weight, height, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, and muscle mass. The results showed that about 40% of the traders were overweight, while approximately one in three were living with obesity. Only about one in five vendors fell within the normal body mass index (BMI) range.
The study also found a significant gap between the vendors' self-perception of their weight and reality. Many vendors who measured as overweight or obese described themselves as having a normal weight, and only a small share identified as obese. However, dissatisfaction with their body weight was common, and many said they were actively trying to lose weight.
Walking emerged as the most common form of physical activity among the vendors, while structured exercise such as gym sessions was rare. On the food side, skipping meals stood out as the dominant strategy for weight loss, far more common than deliberately changing what they ate.
The study found that social media, along with friends and family, were the leading sources of nutrition and weight management information for the vendors. Comparatively few traders said they consulted dietitians or nutrition professionals. Dr. Boateng noted that people tend to seek health advice from easily accessible sources, but cautioned that popularity does not equal reliability.
The study's findings have significant implications for the health and wellbeing of market vendors in Ghana. The researchers argue that vendors could benefit from greater access to credible nutrition information within the markets where they already work, along with periodic health screening covering weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure.
The study's authors also suggest that nutrition professionals cannot ignore social media as a space where traders are already seeking advice. However, no specific programme, funding commitment, or timeline for such interventions has been announced. The study's findings echo earlier Ghanaian research, highlighting the need for dedicated attention to the health needs of market vendors.
Key points
- University of Ghana study finds most Dansoman market vendors trying to lose weight skip meals, rely on social media.
- Study reveals gap between vendors' self-perception of weight and reality.
- Vendors could benefit from greater access to credible nutrition information and periodic health screening.
