In weight management interventions, understanding the patient readiness to change is essential in order to design individualized nutrition care plans. The aim of this study is to examine obese/overweight individuals’ body image perceptions and the relationship with stage of change (SOC) for weight loss. Questionnaires were completed by 161 individuals (48 male, 113 female) at five health centers in south Mississippi. Information collected included weight loss intention, dietary and physical activity behavior, body image perception, height, weight, and demographics. Participant SOC was determined using an adapted algorithm and body mass index (BMI) perception accuracy was determined by comparing participants own thoughts of their BMI classification to actual BMI classification. SPSS correlation/regression and MedCalc Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analyses were used. A Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient analysis revealed inconsistencies in participant’s BMI perception and actual BMI classification (Pearson p=0.35). On average, overweight/obese individuals (n=123) who perceived themselves as overweight had a higher weight loss SOC than those who did not think they were overweight (β=0.35, n=123, p<0.01). Weight management interventions need to address weight norms and perceptions to enhance awareness and mobilize patients to change diet and physical activity behaviors to promote weight loss.