Differences in Body Weight Perception Among Nutrition and Non-nutrition Students Enrolled in a General Nutrition Course at the University of Rhode Island

Abstract

ObjectivesResearch shows that students in healthcare fields have distorted perceptions of their bodies, specifically regarding their weight status. Nutrition majors are important to consider, given their future careers require them to assess others’ weight statuses and provide relevant diet recommendations. The main aims of this secondary analysis were to compare accuracy of nutrition versus non-nutrition majors’ body weight perception to their measured body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP). It was hypothesized that nutrition majors will more accurately classify their weight relative to their BMI and BFP compared to non-nutrition majors due to their knowledge of weight classifications. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 188 non-nutrition (77% female; BMI 24.14 ± 5.46; BFP 26.30 ± 9.70) and 108 nutrition (83% female; BMI 23.78 ± 3.75; BFP 25.45 ± 8.39) majors enrolled in a general nutrition class and completed a nutrition assessment survey that included the multiple-choice question: “How would YOU describe your current weight?”. Categories were underweight, healthy weight, or overweight. Height was measured by a calibrated stadiometer. Weight and body composition were assessed by In-Body 770. BMI and BFP were categorized as underweight, healthy weight, or overweight according to the In-Body reference guidelines. Difference in accuracy of nutrition versus non-nutrition majors’ body weight perceptions were analyzed by independent t-tests. Data are expressed as means ± standard deviations. ResultsOf the 296 students, 28% misperceived their weight status relative to BMI and 40% misperceived their weight status relative to BFP. Of the 28%, 55 students perceived their weight as lower than (30% nutrition) and 25 students perceived their weight as higher than (52% nutrition) their measured BMI. Of the 40%, 86 students perceived their weight as lower than (24% nutrition) and 31 students perceived their weight as higher than (48% nutrition) their measured BFP. Nutrition majors had more accurate perceptions of their weight status relative to measured BFP than non-majors (–0.06 ± 0.58; –.27 ± 0.62; P = 0.004). ConclusionsWhen perceptions were inaccurate, most students perceived themselves as a healthier weight than their measured BMI and BFP indicated. Nutrition majors’ perceptions relative to BFP were more accurate than non-majors. Funding SourcesNone.