This study investigates the healthcare-seeking intentions and influencing factors related to weight loss among overweight/obese individuals in communities against the backdrop of the “Weight Management Year”.

From January to June 2025, a stratified random sampling method was used to select 535 overweight or obese residents from 4 community service centers in Cangzhou City. Sociodemographic characteristics and willingness to seek medical care for weight loss were investigated. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify the influencing factors.

A total of 535 questionnaires were distributed in the study, with 528 returned, yielding an effective response rate of 98.69%. The willingness to seek medical care for weight reduction among overweight/obese individuals in the community was generally low, at only 33.71%. Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in medical-seeking intentions among individuals based on gender, education level, household monthly income, BMI classification, self-reported health status, and prior weight reduction experience (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that women exhibited higher willingness to seek weight reduction-related medical care than men (OR=1.628, 95% CI: 1.323-2.041). Participants with higher education levels, including postgraduate or above (OR=2.402, 95% CI: 1.204-4.785), an associate or bachelor’s degree (OR=1.853, 95% CI: 1.256-2.745), and high school or vocational high school education (OR=1.521, 95% CI: 1.126-2.053), had significantly higher intentions than those with junior high school education or below. Obesity was associated with a higher intention than overweight (OR=2.113, 95% CI: 1.453-3.072). Prior weight reduction experience was also associated with a higher intention (OR=1.681, 95% CI: 1.156-2.465). Self-reported good health status (OR=0.584,95% CI: 0.396-0.867) and average health status (OR=0.436, 95% CI: 0.285-0.679) were associated with lower intentions compared to poor self-rated health status. Subgroup analysis revealed that the promoting effect of higher education was only significant among women and individuals with weight loss experience (P<0.05), while the inhibitory effect of self-rated good or average health was only significant in obese populations (P<0.05).

The willingness to seek medical care for weight reduction among overweight/obese individuals in communities is low, influenced by factors such as gender, education level, BMI classification, prior weight loss experience, and self-reported health status. It is essential to enhance awareness of the disease attributes of obesity among males, individuals with lower education levels, and those who self-rate their health as good or average, and to guide them toward scientific weight management.