Misperception of Weight Is Greater in Healthy Asian Indian Urban Men Than Women

Abstract

Background: Recognizing being overweight is one step towards implementing weight-management behaviors and appropriate interventions Objective: This observational study was designed to study whether the self-perceived body mass index (BMI) status matched the calculated BMI status. Weight loss measures undertaken by overweight or obese participants in real life were also investigated Methods: Healthy men (M) and women (W) (18–65 years old) attending a health check-up at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India from 1 August 2019 to 30 November 2019 were systematically included. Information on participants’ perception about their weight, intention of weight management and actual weight-management behavior were collected through simple structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from all participants to compute their current BMI. Results: Overall, 148 (68%) of 218 (M=158; W=60; median [range] age: 36 [21–44] years) participants were overweight/obese (BMI>25 kg/m2). Majority of the participants were graduate and above (93%). A significant association was seen between increasing age and overweight/obesity (p=0.006). Although similar number of M and W were overweight/obese (70% vs 63%), fewer M perceived themselves to be overweight/obese than W (58% vs 77%, p=0.049). Both M and W attributed their overweight/obese status to lack of exercise (44% vs 46%) and poor dietary habits (38% vs 28%). Additionally, W also attributed their overweight/obese status to hormonal imbalance (hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, post pregnancy, menopause; 28%). Most common (>20% incidence) reasons stated to lose weight were to be healthier and disease-free (82 [55%], M=51; W=31) and look better (36 [24%], M=13; W=23). Majority of the participants attempted to lose weight by exercise (60 [73%], M=43; W=25) and dietary interventions (55 [67%], M=29, W=26). The most common (>40%) exercise regimen used to lose weight was cardio/aerobic activity (31 [52%], M=19; W=12) followed by morning walks (29 [48%], M=20; W=9). Most common dietary intervention practiced was healthy eating based on general knowledge (34 [62%], M=17, W=17) and guidance from family and friends (10 [18%], M=6; W=4); only 1 woman consulted professional dietician. Conclusion: Discrepancy exists between self-perceived and actual calculated BMI status, especially so in men. Though women better perceived weight, they were less likely to participate in scientifically proven methods or professional guidance to lose weight.