Abstract
ObjectivesDiabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) patients' self-perception of their weight status is very critical in diabetes care. We sought to investigate perception of weight status in a sample of 200 DM 2 patients attending an outpatient clinic at a Teaching Hospital and compared it with their BMI-measured weight status, with a focus on underestimation of their weight status. Factors associated with underestimation of weight status in this sample were also explored.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design, anthropometric and clinical variables were assessed using appropriate tools. Questionnaires were used to collect socio-demographic data and self-perception of weight status. Self-perceived weight status was compared to BMI-measured weight status by cross-tabulation, Kappa statistics of agreement and χ2 for trend analysis. Both univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with underestimation of weight status.ResultsThe prevalence of general overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity was 32.0% (n = 64) and 58.0% (n = 116) respectively. Generally, 58.0% (n = 116) of the participants had a distorted weight perceived weight status in which 77.6% (n = 90) underestimated their weight status. Factors associated with underestimation of weight status were being overweight/obese (AOR = 22.9, 95% CI = 8.30–63.07, p<0.001), not married (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.50–9.17, p = 0.005) and never tried to lose weight (AOR = 6.9, 95% CI = 2.35–19.97, p<0.001). Participants aged over 40 years and those being hyperglycaemic were not significantly associated to underestimation of weight status.ConclusionWe found a substantial discordance between BMI-measured and self-perceived weight status. Factors that were associated with underestimation of weight status were being; overweight/obese, not married and never tried to lose weight. Diabetes patients should be provided with information about weight guidelines.
Highlights
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) is increasing in epidemic proportions and has become an important cause of mortality [1]
We conducted univariate analysis to assess the effect of socio-demographic data, weight management behaviors, anthropometric (abdominal obesity and general overweight/obesity (BMI)) and clinical parameters on underestimation of weight status and the results reported as crude odds ratio at 95% confidence interval (CI)
Factors associated with underestimation of weight status Using univariate analysis, we identified factors associated with underestimation of weight status among the participants and shown in table 3
Summary
Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) is increasing in epidemic proportions and has become an important cause of mortality [1]. Overweight/obesity is the commonest and major potentially modifiable risk factor among adults with DM 2 [6,7]. Epidemiological studies have established that DM 2 patients have a higher body weight than control populations indicating a relationship between obesity and the development of diabetes [8]. Weight loss and maintenance are critical in diabetes care. The motivation to lose weight is the recognition by overweight/obese individuals that they are overweight/obese and are at risk for serious negative health consequences [13]. This recognition is influenced by the individual’s perception of his/her weight, which could be distorted. A distorted weight perception occurs when one selfperceives his/her weight status to be found in a different category (normal weight, overweight, obese) than would have been if determined by an objective method of measurement [14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
