Association of Weight Misperception with Unhealthy Diet-related Behaviors among University of the Philippines Manila Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Objectives. The study aims to determine whether there is an association of perceived weight status with unhealthydiet practices.
 Method. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adult undergraduate students from U.P.Manila. The survey included questions regarding sociodemographic status, habits related to diet and weightmanagement, and perceived body mass index (BMI). Actual BMI were obtained and calculated from actualanthropomorphic measurements.
 Results. In the population surveyed, it was seen that 53.28% of the students accurately perceived their BMIstatus, 26.08% overestimated their BMI status, while 17.28% underestimated their BMI status. It was also seenthat over-estimating of BMI status is more associated with unhealthy diet practices. Those who over estimatedtheir BMI were 1.95 times more likely to skip meals (p=0.001) and 1.56 times more likely to engage in cuttingof food (p=0.034). Physical activity was also seen to be associated with these practices.
 Conclusion. Over-estimation of BMI may be linked to unrealistic goals in weight loss resulting in unhealthierdiet-related habits.