Abstract
BackgroundPeople tend to underestimate their current weight and overestimate their height minimizing health risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess body weight satisfaction, acceptance of body image, weight concern and dieting habits among a Mediterranean adult population.MethodsCross-sectional survey was carried out (2009–2010) in the Balearic Islands, Spain. A random sample (n = 1081) of young (18–35 y.o.) and middle-aged adults (36–55 y.o.) was interviewed and anthropometrically measured.ResultsWomen were more dissatisfied being overweight, less dissatisfied being underweight, and more worried about weight gain than men. Middle-aged participants were more dissatisfied with body shape and underestimated body weight than young’s. Employed women defined better current weight than unemployed, but unemployed were more worried about body weight gain. Overweight adults were more likely to underestimate their body weight but were also very worried about weight gain and more likely to report current dieting than their leaner counterparts. Active participants self-reported better body weight and were more satisfied with body image than sedentary.ConclusionsMost of studied population reported body image dissatisfaction, but half of them are not worried about it. Women were more concerned about their body weight status. Practice of physical activity is a positive factor in self-perception. Holistic strategies are needed to avoid promoting unreal bodies, as well as the acceptance of the real body image.
Highlights
People tend to underestimate their current weight and overestimate their height minimizing health risk factors
Weight estimation Around 14% of the study population did not report their current weight (12.9% males; 15.4% females) (Table 2). For both male and female participants, the prevalence of middle-aged adults who underestimated their current weight was higher than youngers, and the prevalence of middle-aged participants who overestimated current weight was lower
Females who were employed were more likely to report their current weight correctly compared to their unemployed counterparts
Summary
People tend to underestimate their current weight and overestimate their height minimizing health risk factors. Overweight and obesity negatively impact quality of life, increase risk of developing chronic diseases and conditions, and are costly to healthcare systems [1,2,3]. Overweight and obesity has remained mostly stable over the last decade in the Balearic Islands, approximately one in Excessive weight has been associated with a decrease quality of life [6, 7], an increase in serious chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, asthma, among others) [8, 9] and predisposition to some infections [10]. Earlier studies found that people tended to underestimate their current
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