Perception of Weight Status in Relationship to Self‐reported BMI
Authors: Mutter Cody Michael , Belal Nada , Khanna Deepesh 
Published: April 2020

Introduction

Correct perception of weight status is an important motivational factor for engaging in healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and making acceptable nutrition choices. However, misperception is common in the population.

Objective

The objective of this study is to assess perceptions of weight status in relation to self‐reported height and weight (BMI) among individuals aged 16 years and older.

Methods

A face‐to‐face, in‐home, validated survey was conducted on participants aged 16 years and older. Trained interviewers conducted the Sample Person Questionnaire using the Computer‐Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system to gather data on several topics related to body weight, including self‐perception of weight, self‐reported weight over the participant’s lifetime, attempted weight loss during the past 12 months, and methods used to try to lose weight and to keep from gaining weight. Statistical analysis was completed using Chi‐Square tests for males and females. The level of significance was 0.05.

Results

Data are presented as a percentage. A total of 5964 people participated in the survey. Statistical analysis showed that out of the total males who self‐reported normal BMI, 18% considered themselves underweight and 77.6% considered the right weight. Out of the total males who self‐reported overweight BMI, 58.3% considered themselves right weight and 2.2% considered underweight (χ2=1276.285, p=0.000). On the other hand, females who self‐reported normal weight, 7.8% considered themselves underweight and 76.2% considered the right weight. Out of the total females who self‐reported overweight, 31.5% considered the right weight and 1.8% considered underweight (χ2=1612.828, p=0.000). Out of the total males who self‐reported overweight, 39.1% wants to stay at the same weight and 7.8% wants to gain weight (χ2=1169.259, p=0.000). On the other hand, females who self‐reported overweight, 19.9% want to stay at the same weight and 8.4% want to gain weight (χ2=1162.907, p=0.000).

Conclusion

The results of this study show that when self‐reported BMI is normal, males and females share similar perceptions on considering themselves the right weight, with the caveat that more males self‐reporting normal BMI consider themselves underweight compared to females. When self‐reported BMI was higher (overweight) perceptions varied between males and females. Significantly more males considered themselves to be the right weight compared to females in the overweight category. Furthermore, in the overweight range, males report wanting to remain the same weight significantly more than females in the same BMI range. The results of this study provide framework for understanding the differences in how males and females ages 16 years and above perceive their weight in relation to their current weight status. This is significant in the current climate of the obesity epidemic in the United States, with rapidly climbing rates of obesity and overweight persons rising each year. Perceptions on current weight status are motivational factors for individuals regarding their attitudes in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle to attain a lower BMI.