Table 3.
University survey’s 26 questions (52 items), selected using test-retest reliability.
| How serious a problem is each of these health issues for people in this country: not a problem, only a little serious, moderately serious, very serious, or extremely serious? 1) Cancer, 2) Overweight and obesity, 3) Heart disease, 4) Alcohol and drug abuse, 5) Smoking and tobacco use, 6) HIV/AIDS, 7) Mental illness |
| More people are becoming obese these days. These might be causes. For each, please tell if you think it is a major reason, a minor reason, or not a reason for this problem. 1) People don’t want to change, 2) People don’t know how to control their weight, 3) There is too much unhealthy food, snacks, and drinks for sale in schools, 4) Healthy foods are expensive, 5) People don’t have enough information about what’s in their food, 6) There are not enough safe places for people to be physically active outdoors |
| Do you think it’s possible for one to be a little overweight and still be healthy? Yes, No |
| Do you think it’s possible for one to be a lot overweight and still be healthy? Yes, No |
| How much discrimination do obese people face because of their weight? A lot, a little, some, not very much, or none at all |
| What is the most serious consequence of being overweight or obese? Heart disease, Diabetes, High blood pressure, Joint problems, High cholesterol, Mental issues, Stroke, Dying young, Cancer, Mobility issues, Respiratory problems, Kidney problems, Other |
| Which of the following do you think is the greater danger to health? Obesity, Smoking |
| Which of these do you consider to be the biggest threat to one’s wellbeing, lifestyle, and health, arising from obesity? Tiredness, High blood pressure, Heart disease, Diabetes, Cancer, Sleep apnea, Stroke, Asthma, Low self-esteem and confidence, Depression, Joint and back pain, Limited opportunities for work and career advancement, Other |
| How many years does obesity shorten an individual’s life expectancy by? <5 years, 5–10 years, 11–15 years, 16–20 years, >21 years? |
| What should be the government’s involvement in finding solutions to obesity problem? Not involved, slightly involved, moderately involved, very involved, extremely involved |
| Do you favor the following government policies: Strongly favor, Somewhat favor, Neither favor nor oppose, Somewhat oppose, Strongly oppose? 1) Providing nutritional guidelines and information to people about how to make healthy choices about diet and exercise, 2) Providing incentives to the food industry to produce healthier foods, 3) Requiring restaurants to post calorie information on menus, 4) Banning advertisements for unhealthy foods aimed at children, 5) Placing a tax on the sale of unhealthy foods and drinks, 6) Limiting the types or amounts of foods and drinks people can buy |
| Which is closer to your opinion? Maintaining a healthy weight is something individuals and families should deal with on their own, It’s something governments, whole communities, schools, healthcare, food industry, etc. need to deal with, or Both |
| How much responsibility does each of the following groups have for solving the country’s obesity problems? A very large amount of responsibility, a large amount, a moderate amount, a small amount of responsibility, or no responsibility at all? 1) Individual people, 2) Parents and other family members, 3) Food industry, 4) Schools, 5) Health insurance companies, 6) The government, 7) State and local governments, 8) Employers |
| Is each of these an appropriate treatment for obesity: Never, Almost never, Sometimes, Almost every time, Every time? 1) Exercise, 2) Diet control, 3) Medication, 4) Surgery |
| Morbid obesity increases the risk of several illnesses. Which of these is the most effective way to treat morbid obesity? Exercise, Diet control, Medication, Surgery, Other |
| In general, how would you rate your overall health? Excellent, Very good, Good, Fair |
| About how much do you weigh without shoes? (in kilograms or pounds) |
| About how tall are you without shoes? (in meters/centimeters or inches/feet) |
| Do you personally know anybody who you would consider to be obese? Yes, No |
| Which of these best describes your weight? Underweight, healthy, Overweight, Obese |
| How do you feel about your current weight? Very happy, Happy, Neither happy nor unhappy, Unhappy, Very unhappy |
| These questions are about where you live. Is it very easy, somewhat easy, neither easy nor hard, somewhat hard, very hard to ... 1) Find safe places to be physically active outdoors, 2) Buy junk food or fast food when kids are on their way to or from school |
| When was your last visit with a doctor for check-up? <6 months ago, 6–12 months ago, 1–2 years ago, >2 years ago |
| Has your health care provider ever talked with you about the health risks of being or becoming overweight or obese? Yes, No |
| Which of these do you apply first to control your weight? Regular dieting, Counting calories, Regular exercise, Diet pills or supplements, Smoking, Monitoring water intake, Monitoring alcohol intake, Getting enough sleep, Other, None of the above |
| Are you male or female? Male, Female |