309586
Weight misperception, self-rated health status and weight loss attitudes among obese individuals: Findings from the Survey of Health of Wisconsin (SHOW)
Methods: Data from the 2008-2012 Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW), an annual population based health survey of Wisconsin adults (21-74), were used to explore predictors of weight misperception and weight loss attitudes. Data from obese individuals (measured BMI>30 kg/m2) were used to examine predictors of weight misperception and weight loss attitudes. Multi-variable adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression.
Results: SHOW enrolled 1032 obese participants from 2008 to 2012. Approximately 5% perceived their weight as normal or underweight. Factors associated with weight misperception were non-white race (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.5-8.7), male gender (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.4), ‘very good/excellent’ self-rated health (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.2-5.4), and not having an overweight diagnosis from a doctor (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.3-6.2). Compared to individuals who misperceive their weight status, individuals who perceived their weight status accurately were more likely to want to lose weight (OR 15.9, 95% CI 4.5-56.6).
Conclusions: Findings are consistent with previous studies, however, associations with self-reported health warrant further study. Given weight loss attempts are motivated by desire to lose weight, programs aimed at promoting behavioral changes to reduce obesity should focus on increasing self-awareness of weight status and possible health risks associated with obesity.
Learning Areas:
Social and behavioral sciencesLearning Objectives:
Identify weight misperception among obese individuals as a possible obstacle for weight loss among obese individuals.
Name common predictors of weight misperception.
Acknowledge that individuals who rate their health highly may be more likely to misperceive their weight status and gain insight into underlying reasons why this may be true.
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I’m a PhD student in the Department of Population Health Sciences and work as a Project Associate for the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW) program. My main scientific interests are the social and behavioral factors related to the obesity epidemic, and goal plan is to address this climbing epidemic throughout my program. Prior to becoming a PhD student, I completed a MS degree in Social Psychology where I focused on examining body image.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.