The researchers believe that this increase in body fat may be due to a decrease in physical activity. Additionally, children watch more television today and studies have linked this to an increased tendency toward obesity. Dr. Nicklas also noted that their study may not have detected small increases in daily calorie consumption. The findings of the study were published in the American Journal of Epidemiology . A new study by the Australian Consumers' Association reveals that both men and women tend to underestimate their weight as well as overestimate their height.
Men believe they weighed almost five pounds less than their actual weight.
Women on the other hand, believed they weighed almost eight pounds less than their actual weight. Both sexes overestimated their height by approximately half an inch. Researchers also found that the average woman underestimated her caloric intake by 30 percent and obese women underestimated their caloric intake by 70 percent. The study found that obese people also tend to overestimate their physical activity. The study was conducted by researchers at Lausanne University and evaluated a random sample of 2,000 people.