Perception of weight status in children and adolescents: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005‐2010 (811.3)

Abstract

Weight misperception in children and adolescents may lead to unhealthy or excessive weight control practices among overweight, underweight or normal weight individuals. Accurate self‐perception of weight status has been linked to appropriate weight control behaviors in youth.The objective of this study was to examine gender and racial/ethnic differences in prevalence of weight misperception among children and adolescents.We used data from 4355 children and adolescents aged 8‐15 years who participated in NHANES 2005‐2010. Accuracy of weight perception status was determined by comparing self‐reported weight status (overweight, about right and underweight) to actual weight status based on measured height and weight. The weight misperception prevalence was estimated and compared among age, gender and race/ethnic groups.Nearly, 29% of children and adolescents have misperception of their weight status. Weight misperception is more common among boys than girls and among children than adolescents. The prevalence of weight status misperception was lowest among non‐Hispanic white children and adolescents (26.5%) compared to non‐Hispanic black (33.4%) and Mexican‐American (33.3%) children and adolescents.Current estimates of weight perception status in children and adolescent may be useful in developing obesity prevention programs and in promoting healthy weight control behaviors.