Accurate Weight Perception Research Articles

The impact of weight misperception on health-related quality of life in Korean adults (KNHANES 2007–2014): a community-based cross-sectional study

Background/objectivesWeight perception, especially misperception, might affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL); however, related research is scarce and results remain equivocal. We examined the association between HRQoL and weight misperception by...

Misperceptions of Weight Status in Military Men and Women.

Military members may be in a unique position to misperceive their weight status because of the expectations of military service-specific body composition standards and sex-specific ideals of body image. Two-thirds of military service members are overweight or obese, costing the Department of Defense over $1 billion/year. This study assessed accuracy of perceived weight status. A cross-sectional, descriptive study of active duty service members (n = 295). Participants were predominantly white (57%), Army (91%), male (71%), with a mean age of 30.1 ± 8.6 years. Thirty-six percent were normal body mass index (BMI) (22.7 ± 1.6 kg/m2) and 64% were overweight/obese BMI (29.3 ± 3.3 kg/m2). Subject BMI (m/kg2) was dichotomized as normal (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) or overweight (≥25 kg/m2); BMI status was contrasted to perceived weight. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Madigan and Brook Army Medical Centers. Inferential statistics between groups compared differences between accurate and inaccurate weight status perception. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify if significant independent variables contributed to predicting weight status accuracy. Data were analyzed using SPSS Predictive Analytic Software version 21 with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A higher education is associated with a 2.6 higher odds of accurately perceiving weight status. Trying to lose weight is associated with a 0.31 lower odds of accurate perception of weight status. Normal BMI: no men and 29% of women perceived they were overweight; 81% of normal weight women with inaccurate weight perceptions were attempting weight loss (p = 0.005). Overweight BMI: 66% of men and 63% of women were not dieting and 42% of men and 6% of women perceived being at the right weight (p < 0.001). Accurate weight perceivers: The majority of overweight/obese females (94%) and males (85%) with an accurate weight perception were trying to lose weight, compared to 30% of those who had inaccurate weight perceptions (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). Weight misperception may result in underestimation of personal health risk associated with weight gain and may lead to undesirable weight-related outcomes. Aspects of the military culture, such as weight and body composition standards, as well as an emphasis on physical fitness, may influence weight perception in military members differently than that observed in civilian populations, and may influence military men and women differently. Incongruence between actual and perceived weight status and lifestyle behaviors reveals a need for tailored interventions and inclusion of public health campaigns.

Associations between feeding practices and maternal and child weight among mothers who do and do not correctly identify their child's weight status.

SummaryObjectiveThis study aimed to explore factors associated with accuracy of maternal weight perception and determine if maternal feeding practices are associated with weight status.MethodsOverweight/obese mothers reported demographics and perception of their child's weight and completed a modified preschooler feeding questionnaire. Mother's and child's height and weight were measured. Logistic regression was used to explore associations between demographic factors and accuracy. Correlations between the preschooler feeding questionnaire scales and mom's body mass index (BMI) and child's BMI‐percentile were explored for the total sample and accurate and underestimating moms.ResultsAmong mothers whose child was overweight or obese, only 20% of mothers correctly identified the child as overweight. Forty percent of moms were underestimaters. There was a positive correlation between concern the child was overweight/overeating and the child's BMI‐percentile among underestimating moms; in the total sample (r = 0.32, p < .001) and accurate moms (r = 0.52, p < .001). In underestimaters only, there was a negative relationship between child BMI‐percentile and pressure to eat (r = −0.30, p < .001) and concern about child underweight (r = −0.47, p < .001).ConclusionsThis study identified different associations between child weight and mother's feeding practices in mothers accurately and inaccurately perceiving her child's weight. Intervention studies should explore targeting education on feeding practices based on these perceptions.

The Influence of Weight Status Duration on Weight Perception Accuracy.

To examine the association between weight status duration and weight perception accuracy. Retrospective study. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003 to 2006. A total of 4029 adults aged 20 years or older. To assess weight status duration, participants' past (10 years ago) and present body mass indexes were used to create 4 groups: normal weight in the past and present (group 1), normal weight in the past but overweight/obese in the present (group 2), overweight/obese in the present but not in the past (group 3), and overweight/obese in the past and present (group 4). We classified individuals as having an accurate/inaccurate weight perception based on present body mass index and whether they considered themselves as overweight, underweight, or about the right weight. Logistic regression. Our findings suggest that participants who were overweight/obese in the past, present, or during both time periods had increased odds of possessing an inaccurate weight perception. Furthermore, being normal weight in the past but obese in the present increased the odds of having an inaccurate weight perception nearly 10-fold and almost 5-fold for those obese in both the past and present. Studies such as this can aid clinicians in identifying individuals who may have increased odds of inaccurately identifying their weight status, thereby providing additional opportunities to facilitate weight loss.

Nutritional status, weight perception and weight control practices among office employees in Sokoto, Nigeria.

IntroductionOverweight and obesity have become the fifth leading risk for global deaths. Office employees have been identified as a high risk group due to the sedentary nature of their work, and accurate weight perception is believed to be critical to acceptance of weight control interventions. This study was conducted to assess the nutritional status, weight perception and weight control practices of office employees in Sokoto, Nigeria.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted among 285 randomly selected office employees in private establishments in Sokoto, Nigeria, in February and March 2013. Anthropometry was done for the participants in addition to questionnaire administration.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 33.08 ± 7.23 years, they were predominantly males (56.5%) and married (57.5%). None was underweight, 111 (38.9%) had normal weight, 105 (36.8%) were overweight and 69 (24.2%) were obese. Among the participants with normal weight, overweight and obesity, 71.2%, 35.2% and 58.0% respectively accurately perceived their weight; while 28.8%, 50.5% and 30.4% respectively underestimated their weight. There was poor agreement between actual and perceived weight (k statistics = 0.341, p < 0.001). Only 67 (23.5%) of the 285 participants were engaged in weight control practices.ConclusionThis study showed high prevalence of overweight and obesity, weight misperceptions, and poor uptake of weight control practices among office employees in Sokoto, Nigeria. These findings underscore the need for a holistic approach to obesity control interventions that encompasses both body image perception and nutritional assessment.

Assessing patients' and GPs' ability to recognise overweight and obesity

ObjectiveTo assess the ability of GPs and patients to recognise overweight and obesity, determine factors associated with accurate weight perception, and identify methods used by patients and GPs to manage patient overweight and obesity. MethodsData were collected in a substudy of the BEACH research program (a continuous, randomised, national cross‐sectional survey of general practice activity in Australia). ResultsOf 1,599 sampled adult patients, 31.5% were overweight, 23.7% obese and 4.7% morbidly obese. One in four (26.8%) overweight/obese patients (BMI ≥25.0) did not consider themselves overweight. There was an association between patient age and sex and accurate weight perception. Overweight/obese females and those aged 45–64 years were most likely to recognise their overweight. GPs correctly identified 60.8% of overweight patients, but underestimated 35.7% as normal weight. They also identified 60.0% of obese patients, but incorrectly categorised 37.0% as overweight and 3.0% normal weight. There was no association between GP age and sex and accurate weight perception. ConclusionsPatients' and GPs' perception of weight can often be inaccurate, with many not recognising overweight and obesity. Improvement in recognition of overweight and obesity may increase management and encourage early intervention to prevent disease associated with these weight problems.

Accuracy of weight status perception related to weight loss stage of change among medically underserved adults

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the individuals’ perception of their weight status andthe stage of change they are currently in among an overweight and obese, medically underserved population in south Mississippi. Methods: One hundred eighty-two adults were surveyed at healthcare facilities in south Mississippi using a tablet application. Inclusion criteria were: BMI of 25 or greater, over 21 years of age, and not pre or postpartum. About 62% (n = 114) metthe inclusion criteria. Participants completed a survey pertaining to: weight perception, stage of change for weight loss, andother variables. Statistical analysis were used to analyze participant responses. Weight perception accuracy was determined bycomparing participant responses about weight status to their BMI classification. Results: Weight perception accuracy was a significant predictor of stage of change for weight loss, after controlling forconfounding factors. A Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analysis revealed that participants do not portray themselves astheir BMI classifies them (Pearson p = .46). Ordinal regression analysis displayed that those with a mismatched were likely to beat an advanced stage of change compared to those with matched weight perception accuracy and BMI. Conclusions and implication: This study exemplifies that overweight and obese individuals who view themselves as overweightare more apt to be in active stage of change for weight loss. Weight management interventions should address weight perceptionsin overweight and obese individuals who are at a lower stage of change for weight loss.

Trends of Child's Weight Perception by Children, Parents, and Healthcare Professionals during the Time of Terminology Change in Childhood Obesity in the United States, 2005-2014.

To investigate the changes on self- and parental weight perceptions and parental communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the United States during the mid-2000s period when the terminology changed for classifications of childhood obesity/overweight. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted with 6799 children aged 8-15 years with the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014. BMI was calculated from objectively measured heights and weights, and children were classified as normal/underweight, overweight or obese, using the new terminology. Children reported their own weight status. Parents reported their child's weight status and reported how HCPs described their children's weight status. Logistic regressions were used to investigate changes in weight perceptions among overweight/obese children themselves and their parents and parental communication with HCPs about children's overweight/obesity status during the time of the terminology change. The proportion of parents told by HCPs about children's weight status increased for overweight children [6.8% in 2005-2006 to 18.8% in 2013-2014, p for trend (ptrend = 0.02)], and marginally increased between 2005-2006 (37.1%) and 2007-2008 (45.4%) for obese children (p = 0.09). However, parental perceptions for obese/overweight children did not change. Also, obese children's weight perception did not change, and the proportion of overweight children who perceived their weight status accurately declined in 2005-2012 (25.9%-16.4%, ptrend = 0.02). Although the terminology change about childhood obesity/overweight was associated with increased communication about child's weight status by HCPs, the accuracy of weight perceptions among obese/overweight children or their parents did not improve or declined.

Accuracy of Weight Perception Among American Indian Tribal College Students.

National data indicate a higher prevalence of obesity among American Indian (AI) populations and greater disparity of morbidity and mortality among younger age groups compared with other ethnicities. Diet and physical activity are important obesity preventive behaviors, but no published data exist that describe these behaviors in relation to obesity in AI young adults at tribal colleges. Study purposes were to: (1) identify fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity practices of AI young adults from three U.S. tribal colleges according to BMI categories; (2) identify the accuracy of body weight perceptions; and (3) identify predictor variables for weight misperception. In this observational study during 2011-2014, a total of 1,256 participants were recruited from three participating U.S. tribal colleges to complete an online survey addressing issues related to diet, physical activity, and weight perception. Reported height and weight were used to calculate BMI categories, and differences between BMI categories were examined. Gender differences related to accuracy of weight perception by BMI categories were also examined. Analyses were conducted in 2016. Based on self-reported height and weight, 68% of the sample was overweight or obese (BMI ≥25) and mean BMI was 28.9 (SD=6.9). Most did not meet recommendations for fruit intake (78.7%), vegetable intake (96.6%), or physical activity (65.6%). More than half (53.7%%) who were overweight/obese underestimated their weight category. Men more often underestimated their weight category (54.2%) than women (35.1%). Interventions are needed to improve weight-related lifestyle behaviors of AI tribal college students.

Weight Misperception and Health-Related Quality of Life in Appalachian Adolescents in the United States.

Introduction There is limited research on the relation between weight misperceptions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among U.S. adolescents. Methods Baseline data (n=1509) collected in 2012 from the Team Up for Healthy Living project were used. Measures included BMI percentiles calculated from measured height and weight; self-perception of weight status; and the 23-item PedsQL™ Inventory. Multiple linear regression was performed after adjustment for covariates to examine associations between weight misperception and HRQoL. Results Compared to accurate weight perception, weight underestimation was associated with higher total HRQoL (β=2.41), physical health (β=2.77), and emotional (β=2.83), social (β=2.47) and psychosocial functioning (β=2.38) (all p<0.05). Weight overestimation was associated with lower social functioning (β=-13.13, p<0.05). Stratified by gender, associations were observed only in males. Discussion Weight underestimation had greater association with HRQoL than weight overestimation; and varied by gender. Better understanding of these associations will assist in improving the health of adolescents in Southern Appalachia.

Gender Differences in Weight-Related Attitudes and Behaviors Among Overweight and Obese Adults in the United States.

Few studies have used nationally representative data to focus specifically on gender differences in weight-related outcomes. This article examines gender differences in weight-related outcomes across the body mass index (BMI) spectrum in overweight and obese adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2010 was analyzed. Weight-related outcomes were accurate weight perception, weight dissatisfaction, attempted weight loss, successful weight loss, and weight loss strategies. Compared with women, overweight and obese men were less likely to have accurate weight perception (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.30-0.44), weight dissatisfaction (OR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.32-0.47), and attempted weight loss (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.48-0.63). The modifying effect of gender on these associations decreased as BMI increased. By BMI 35, the mean probability of women and men to have accurate weight perception and weight dissatisfaction was 90%; attempted weight loss was 60% (women) and 50% (men). At lower BMIs, men had up to 40% less probability than women for these weight loss outcomes. Men who attempted weight loss were more likely than women to lose and maintain ≥10 lb over 1 year (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.20-1.65) and increase exercise and eat less fat as weight loss strategies; women were more likely to join weight loss programs, take prescription diet pills, and follow special diets. A need exists for male-specific interventions to improve overweight and obese men's likelihood for accurate weight perception, attempted weight loss, and ultimately, successful weight loss.

Body mass index status and accuracy of individual weight status perception among college going students in South India

Background: India faces the burgeoning twin problems of underweight and obesity. Accurate weight perception is vital to the institution and practice of weight management behaviour. The study aims at determining the BMI status of college students in South India and evaluating the accuracy of their weight status perception.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was carried out on a sample of 500 college students. Data regarding height, weight and body weight perception was obtained by structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were recorded. The BMI calculated was used to categorize the BMI pattern of individuals according to WHO criteria for Asian Indians. This was correlated with self-perceived BMI to evaluate accuracy. All data were analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: 21.2% of the samples were underweight, 23.4% were overweight and 9.6% were obese. There was a statistically significant correlation between the self-reported BMI and actual BMI as assessed by Pearson correlation (r= .884, p&lt;.001, two-tailed). 62% accurately perceived weight status. Agreement of perceived and measured BMI was found to be moderate among underweight and overweight groups. Agreement between perceived and measured normal BMI was found to be fair as determined by Kappa characteristic.Conclusions: Our study validates the current view that underweight and overweight continue to thrive concomitantly in urban Indian centers among youngsters of college-going age group. Perception of body weight is more accurate among underweight and overweight groups as compared to normal students, though overall accuracy was 62%.

Sexual violence, weight perception, and eating disorder indicators in college females

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the relationships between sexual violence experiences, inaccurate body weight perceptions, and the presence of eating disorder (ED) indicators in a sample of female US college students. Participants: Participants were 6,090 college females 25 years of age and younger. Methods: A secondary analysis of National College Health Assessment data gathered annually at one institution from 2004 to 2013 was utilized. A model predicting ED indicators was tested using logistic regression analyses with multiple categorical variables representing severity of sexual violence, accuracy of body weight perception, and an interaction between the two. Results: Sexual violence and inaccurate body weight perception significantly predicted ED indicators; sexual violence was the strongest predictor of purging behavior, whereas inaccurate body weight perception was best predicted by underweight status. Conclusions: Findings provide support to the relationship between purging behavior and severity of sexual violence and also to the link between inaccurate body weight perception and being underweight.

Association between Weight Misperception Patterns and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Young Adolescents: National Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeAlthough distortion of weight perceptions has been known as a risk factor for adolescent depression, little has been known about the relationship between weight misperception patterns and depressive symptoms. This study explored the relationship between distortion of weight misperception patterns and depressive symptoms in Korean adolescents.MethodsThe subjects of this study were 109,373 middle school students who participated in the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) from 2011 to 2013. By comparing the difference between Body Mass Index (BMI) and subjective perceptions of body weight, misperceptions of weight were classified into two categories: misperception of underweight and misperception of overweight.ResultsWhen confounding variables were adjusted, the results of the logistic regression analysis revealed that male students who perceived themselves as underweight despite their normal weight were 110% more likely to have depressive symptoms (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03–1.18) than male students with accurate weight perceptions. On the contrary, for female students, misperceptions of underweight had no significant relationship with depression symptoms. Regarding misperceptions of overweight, female students who perceived themselves as overweight despite their normal weight were 107% (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.11) more likely to have depressive symptoms than female students with accurate weight perceptions. Moreover, female students who perceived themselves as overweight when they were underweight were 137% (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.18–1.58) more likely to have depressive symptoms.ConclusionMale students who underestimate their body weight and female students who overestimate their body weight were at a greater risk of depression emotions than students with accurate weight perceptions.

Helpful or harmful? Prospective association between weight misperception and weight gain among overweight and obese adolescents and young adults.

Weight misperception is common among adolescents with obesity, but it is not known whether weight perception is related to future weight gain. The objective of the study was to examine the prospective association between accurate weight perception versus weight misperception and weight change among youth who are overweight or obese. Using a subsample of The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health Wave II cohort, we used linear regression modeling (adjusted for age, baseline body mass index (BMI), parental education, household percent federal poverty level, depression, race and ethnicity) to examine the prospective association between weight misperception (that is, perceiving oneself to be under or normal weight) among 2738 overweight and obese youth and subsequent BMI change from Wave II (1996) to Wave IV (2008-2009). Mean age at baseline (Wave II) was 15.9 (0.1). Fifty-seven percent of males and 80% of females accurately perceived themselves as overweight. In fully adjusted models, weight misperception was associated with less BMI gain among youth who were overweight and obese. Specifically, youth who perceived themselves to be at a healthy weight had lower BMI gains (males: β= -1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI)=(-2.26, -0.60), P=0.001; females: β= -1.35, 95% CI=(-2.59, -0.11), P=0.035) from Wave II to IV relative to those who accurately perceived themselves as overweight or obese. Contrary to commonly held assumptions, weight misperception among a non-clinical sample of youth who were overweight or obese predicted lower future weight gain. Efficacy of efforts to correct weight misperception should be rigorously examined to assess for both intended and unintended consequences.

Accuracy of Weight Perceptions in a Nationally Representative Cohort of US 8th Grade Adolescents

ObjectiveTo describe the accuracy of weight perceptions in a nationally representative sample of US 8th graders, its relationship with weight control intentions (WCI), and the relationship of weight misperceptions and WCI with diet and activity behaviors. MethodsData analyzed came from the 8th grade wave (2006–2007) of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class, a nationally representative sample. Body mass index was calculated from height and weight measurements for 7800 8th graders (mean age 14.3 years). Measured weight status was categorized into underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's age- and sex-specific growth charts. Self-reported weight status was compared with measured weight status to classify adolescents into accurate perceivers, overestimators, and underestimators. Multivariate logistic and negative binomial regression models were estimated for binary and count data outcome variables, respectively. ResultsOverall, 42.1% of adolescents misperceived their weight status: 35.3% underestimated and 6.8% overestimated their weight status. Among overweight or obese adolescents, 68.4% misperceived their weight status; 35% of underweight adolescents overestimated their weight status. Among normal-weight adolescents, 8.5% overestimated and 18.5% underestimated their weight. Compared to accurate perception, both overestimation and underestimation of weight status were associated with greater likelihood of inappropriate WCI, but only underestimation was associated with unhealthy diet and activity behaviors. ConclusionsWeight misperception was a common problem among US adolescents from all weight categories and was associated with inappropriate WCI. Future research should examine how adolescents' weight perceptions are formed and whether reducing misperceptions may improve behaviors.

Body weight status misperception and its association with weight control behaviours, depressive mood and psychological distress in nulliparous normal-weight young women

Background: Understanding body weight status dissatisfaction may be important for understanding weight control behaviours and mental health.Aims: To investigate the relationships between body weight status misperceptions in nulliparous normal-weight young women and weight control-related behaviours and mental health.Subjects and methods: Body weight perceptions, weight control methods, depressive mood and psychological distress were measured in 717 nulliparous normal-weight women, aged 18–40 years, who participated in the 2007–2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES-IV).Results: Among 717 participants, 24 subjects (4.1 ± 1.0%) misperceived themselves to be underweight and 295 subjects (39.2 ± 2.2%) misperceived themselves to be overweight. Those with overweight misperceptions were more likely to fail to maintain their targeted body weights, despite weight control efforts (p < 0.001). Weight control behaviours such as taking diet pills were more common among women with overweight misperception (p < 0.001). Compared to the accurate body weight perception group, age-adjusted ORs for depressive mood and psychological distress were 1.82 (1.06–3.13) and 1.65 (1.10–2.47) in the overweight misperception group.Conclusions: Body weight status misperception may be important for understanding weight control-related behaviours and psychiatric illness among nulliparous normal-weight young women.

Weight perception in overweight adolescents: Associations with body change intentions, diet and physical activity.

This study examined the association of weight perception and weight satisfaction with body change intentions and weight-related behaviours in 928 overweight adolescents (aged 11-18 years, 44% female). Accurate perception of weight was associated with trying to lose weight and inaccurate perception was associated with trying to gain muscle. Weight dissatisfaction was associated with trying to lose weight and gain muscle. Accurate weight perception and weight dissatisfaction were not associated with healthy weight-related behaviours. Awareness of overweight and body dissatisfaction may be detrimental to the adoption of healthy weight-control behaviours. Interventions with overweight adolescents should encourage body satisfaction, rather than promoting awareness of overweight.

Weight, Weight Perceptions, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among a National Sample of US Girls.

To examine associations between 3 weight indices (weight status, perceived weight, and weight status perception accuracy) and heath-related quality of life (HRQOL). Data are for girls in the 2009 Health Behaviors in School-Age Children survey, a nationally representative sample of students in Grades 5 to 10 during the 2009/2010 school year (n = 5018). Controlling for sociodemographics, multivariate linear regressions examined associations between self-reported weight status (underweight/normal/overweight/obese), perceived weight (how children categorize their weight), weight status perception accuracy (underestimate/accurate perception/overestimate), and dimensions of HRQOL, including physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Although obesity was only associated with poor physical and emotional HRQOL, perceptions of being overweight were associated with worse physical, emotional, school, and social HRQOL. Furthermore, girls who overestimated their weight reported poorer HRQOL than those with accurate weight perceptions. Associations of perceptions of being overweight and weight status overestimation with poor HRQOL despite, in most instances, the absence of associations between weight status and HRQOL suggest that weight status perceptions may not merely be a mediator of a weight status-HRQOL association but a significant independent correlate of poor HRQOL. These findings raise the issue of whether there is a need to prioritize intervention efforts to promote better HRQOL by redefining the population of girls most at risk. Parents, teachers, and clinicians should be aware that, rather than overweight status, perceptions of being overweight (accurately or not) are associated with a poor HRQOL among girls. Future research should examine the potential negative effect of using specific body image terminologies on adolescents' psychological health.

Accuracy of body weight perception and obesity among Chinese Americans

Accuracy of body weight perception is an individual's perception of their body weight in comparison with actual body weight and is associated with weight-related behaviors. Chinese Americans have increased risk for obesity but no studies have examined accuracy of body weight perception. This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study, which was conducted in a community health center in New York. Study subjects were all Chinese-American adults. Demographic information, accuracy of perception of body weight, anthropometric measures (weight, height, body mass index [BMI], waist circumference [WC], hip circumference [HC], weight to height ratio, weight to hip ratio), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and obesity-related diseases (hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke) were assessed. A total of 162 Chinese Americans were recruited. 52 subjects (32%) did not perceive body weight correctly: 32 subjects had underestimation and 20 subjects had overestimation of body weight. Significant differences were found among subjects in the three groups of different accuracy of body weight perception in terms of gender (p=0.003), age (p=0.003), education years (p=0.047), WC (p<0.001), HC (p≤0.001), weight/height ratio (p=0.001), and BMI (p<0.001). Accuracy of perception of body weight significantly predicted WC (p<0.001), HC (p<0.001), weight to height ratio (p=0.001), BMI (p<0.001) and weight (<0.001) even after controlling for all demographic factors. The study identified that around one-third of Chinese Americans did not perceive their body weight correctly. Intervention studies for obesity management in Chinese Americans should address gender difference, target on older subjects, and focus on educating the normal values and significances of WC, HC and HbA1C among Chinese Americans.