Body Mass Index Perception Research Articles

Correlation between Actual versus Perceived Body Mass Index using a 3D Avatar on Female Football and Rugby Athletes

Introduction: The pressures of body image can be considered as demoralising, especially within the female sporting environment, where female athletes often express the greatest number of negative thoughts and feelings towards their own body shape, appearance, and dissatisfaction. Research surrounding body image, body composition and body mass index (BMI) has shown that when participants use visual impressions, for perceived body image (PBI) they have failed to produce realistic images and often lacked body stimuli with realistic weight manipulations (Madrigal, 2000). To portray more realistic statistically probable weight manipulations of a personalised stimuli, a 3D Avatar can be used to establish how female athletes perceive their body image. Therefore, the main objective of this investigation is to determine the correlation between actual and perceived BMI using a 3D Avatar within female athletes. Method:n =18 female participants between the ages of 18–23 years of age and competing in football and rugby at club and university level were recruited. Stretched stature (m) and body mass (kg) were taken and values used to calculate actual (kg/m²) and perceived BMI. A computer generated (Unity Player) 3D Avatar, with a visual slide from an underweight to average to obese continuum, was used to assess participants perceived BMI. P value was set at < 0.05 and a Paired Student t-Test was used to test for the difference. A Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was then used to test the strength of the correlation between the actual and perceived BMI. Results: Actual BMI ranged from 19.5 - 36.9 (x̄ 25.1 ± 4.7), whereas the perceived BMI ranged from 23.2 - 30.8 (x̄ 26.7 ± 2.6). A Paired Student t–test set at P < 0.05 suggested a significant difference between actual and perceived BMI (P = 0.023), and a Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient test confirmed a strong correlation of r = 0.875. Conclusion: Results indicated that perceived BMI was higher than the participants actual BMI and suggested that female athletes competing in football and rugby have a large amount of body dissatisfaction.

Perception of body mass index and health issues related to overweight/obesity in an outpatient women’s clinic

ABSTRACT A body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 is linked to worse health outcomes. Little is known about women’s awareness of their BMI and their awareness of associations between high BMI and cardiovascular and gynecologic diseases. We investigated perceived versus actual BMI of women in an outpatient women’s health clinic and determined awareness of health risks linked to high BMI. We administered an anonymous survey to women presenting for health care in gynecological services at an urban OB/GYN women’s health clinic. We used a Kappa test to determine agreement between perceived versus actual BMI category (defined using CDC guidelines) and Fisher’s exact tests to determine rates of awareness of health risks linked to high BMI. One-hundred seventeen women (84% African-American) participated in ≥1 portion of the survey. Mean age = 31.03 ± 9.54 years; mean BMI = 33.8 ± 10 kg/m2. Of 76 respondents, 50 underestimated their BMI category (p < .01). Women were unaware that high BMI was linked to gynecologic outcomes and earlier death (<58% of women reported awareness for each outcome; p > .09 for all). Women seeking outpatient gynecologic care did not accurately perceive BMI and were unlikely to associate high BMI with gynecologic conditions. Improved awareness of BMI and health risks of obesity are educational opportunities for women.

Association of Weight Misperception with Unhealthy Diet-related Behaviors among University of the Philippines Manila Undergraduate Students

Objectives. The study aims to determine whether there is an association of perceived weight status with unhealthydiet practices.&#x0D; Method. An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 625 adult undergraduate students from U.P.Manila. The survey included questions regarding sociodemographic status, habits related to diet and weightmanagement, and perceived body mass index (BMI). Actual BMI were obtained and calculated from actualanthropomorphic measurements.&#x0D; Results. In the population surveyed, it was seen that 53.28% of the students accurately perceived their BMIstatus, 26.08% overestimated their BMI status, while 17.28% underestimated their BMI status. It was also seenthat over-estimating of BMI status is more associated with unhealthy diet practices. Those who over estimatedtheir BMI were 1.95 times more likely to skip meals (p=0.001) and 1.56 times more likely to engage in cuttingof food (p=0.034). Physical activity was also seen to be associated with these practices.&#x0D; Conclusion. Over-estimation of BMI may be linked to unrealistic goals in weight loss resulting in unhealthierdiet-related habits.

The use of a 3D avatar to determine the association between actual and perceived body mass index

Introduction: Literature surrounding body image, body composition and Body Mass Index (BMI) have shown that when participant use visual impressions, they can often lead to a false sense of weight status. Therefore, the main objectives of this investigation was to determine participants BMI and to establish the correlation between actual and perceived BMI. Method: n = 32 female participants ( ± s; body mass = 70.1 ± 13.6 kg, stretched stature = 172.4 ± 8.1 cm) were recruited. A computer generated (Unity Player) 3D Avatar rotated 3600 and permitted a visual slide from an underweight to average to obese continuum. Stretched stature (m) and body mass (kg) was taken and values used to calculate BMI (kg/m2). P value was set at (P<0.001) and a Paired t-Test was used to test for the difference and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient was used to test for the strength of the association between the actual and perceived BMI. Results: Perceived BMI ranged from 16.5 – 32.5 ( 23.5± 4.1), whereas the actual BMI ranged from 17.7 – 31.3 ( 24.3± 3.7). A Paired t-test and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient found values ranged from -5.3 and 8.6 ( - 0.2± 2.5) and a value of t = 0.81 and r = 0.68 suggesting a significant difference between actual and perceived BMI (P < 0.001). Discussion: This investigation reports that perceived BMI was higher than the participants actual BMI and that the use of visual impressions led to a false sense of weight status. Recommendations: Further research is necessary to investigate the reasons behind these perceived versus actual differences and the creation of a 3D Avatar for male participants and younger populations would be beneficial.

Body Mass Index Perception, Body Image Dissatisfaction and Their Relations with Weight-Related Behaviors among University Students.

The prevalence of obesity is increasing globally and is linked with poor body image perception. The aim of the present study was to identify the relationships of body image (BI) and body mass index (BMI) with weight control practices among university students. A cross-sectional study on a sample of 308 university students (150 males and 158 females) aged between 18 and 25 years was carried out. Face-to-face interviews were conducted based on a questionnaire that included socio-demographic, physical activity, the Figure Rating Scale (FRS) and body image dissatisfaction (BID) questions. The majority of the participants (81%: 58.2% females and 41.8% males) were dissatisfied with their BI. Females desired to lose weight and preferred diet to exercise, while males desired to gain weight and preferred exercise to diet (p < 0.001). About 56%, 39.5%, and 4.5% of the participants were normal, overweight/obese, and underweight, respectively. There was a significant, strong correlation (R2 = 0.84, p < 0.001) between perceived BMI and actual BMI. Actual BMI showed a significant strong correlation with the BID (r = 0.57, p < 0.001). The results highlighted the need to increase awareness of the importance of healthy eating behaviors and regular physical activities to improve body size, shape perception, and satisfaction among college males and females.

Perceptions of Body Mass Index as a Valid Indicator of Weight Status among Adults in the United States

Background: Being overweight or obese increases risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, joint disease, and certain cancers. The Body Mass Index (BMI) is commonly used to determine weight status. As rates of overweight and obesity have risen sharply in the United States over the past 30 years, perceptions of a “normal” or healthy weight are subject to change. The purpose of this study was to analyze perceptions of BMI as an indicator of weight status. Methods: An online survey was administered to 376 US adults. The survey collected demographic information including height, weight, and perceived weight status (underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese). The survey software calculated and presented participants with their personal BMI values. Participants then answered questions about their perception of the BMI as a valid indicator of weight status. Results: More participants reported a healthy weight status (51.6%) than were classified as such according to their computed BMI (43.6%). The majority of the sample (85.1%) considered BMI to be a valid indicator of weight status, although perceptions of validity varied by weight status. Participants that perceived BMI to be invalid most commonly cited incongruence with one’s perception of their own body weight, no accounting for unique body shapes, and no accounting for additional muscle mass. Conclusion: BMI is generally perceived to be a valid indicator of weight status. These perceptions of validity can vary depending on the individuals’ actual weight status. In instances where perceptions are not favorable toward BMI, it is largely attributable to opinions of incongruence with BMI and body shape, type, or composition. Continued use of BMI as a preliminary tool for determining weight status appears to be accepted. Efforts to increase BMI-related awareness and education may be necessary for individuals that currently see it as invalid.

Women's perceptions of body mass index.

Women may not have an accurate perception of their own body weight and vary in understanding about healthy weight. The study's aim was to assess women's accuracy of their own body mass index (BMI), understanding of the healthiest body weight and opinion of the most attractive body figure. We surveyed 385 women (age, 19-77 years) attending our obstetrics and gynaecology clinics with an anonymous survey demonstrating a selection of Body Image Scale graphics to represent their current body, the healthiest body and the most attractive body. There was a significant positive correlation between Body Image Scale graphic selected and BMI (r = 0.80; P < 0.0001). The selected Body Image Scale graphic was accurate or within 1 graphic higher or lower than BMI in 88% of participants. The mean BMI of women accurately selecting the appropriate graphic (BMI, 29 ± 8 kg m-2 ) was significantly lower than that of women selecting the graphic lower than their BMI (BMI, 37 ± 7 kg m-2 ) but was significantly higher than those selecting a graphic higher than their BMI (BMI, 25 ± 4 kg m-2 ). For healthiest figure, 58% women selected a graphic representing overweight BMI and 2% women selected a graphic with Class 1 obesity. For most attractive figure, 48% women selected a graphic representing normal BMI, 49% women selected a graphic representing overweight BMI and 1% of women selected a graphic with Class 1 obesity. It is important to provide counselling about ideal weight, healthy lifestyle choices and consequences of obesity.

Maternal Perception of Body Mass Index and Dietary Habits Leading to Obesity Among Saudi School Aged Children a Comparative Study

<i>Background:</i> Childhood obesity is one of the most severe public health problems of the 21st century. Obesity is global, and it affects many low- and middle-income countries, especially in urban settings; its prevalence has increased at an alarming rate. The study was carried out in Prince Sultan Military Medical City and King Fahad Medical City in Riyadh, as well as the North West Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk. <i>Method:</i> A quantitative correlative cross-sectional design was used. A non-probability sampling of mothers of school-age children (n=300) was recruited. The questionnaire developed with two parts: tool I was a structured questionnaire, while tool II was the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ). <i>Result:</i> The mean age of the mothers in Riyadh was 38.81±6.06 years old, while in Tabuk it was 40.3±5.8 years old. Regarding maternal perception about their children, BMI (80.7%, 82%) did not know the importance and detention of BMI and 80.7% not assessed before their BMI. There was a significant correlation between mothers' BMIs and their children's BMI. In comparison between maternal perception and actual BMI in Tabuk, 16.6% of mothers perceived their children to be underweight, but 4.8% of were underweight. <i>Conclusion:</i> It was concluded that over half of mother had fair to poor scores concerning knowledge about children's eating habits. Moreover, one-third of maternal perception and practices about the CFQ ranged from fair to poor. Thus, the researcher recommended applied nutritional counselling, and education should be provided; furthermore, children should be involved in group and diet workshops.

Percepción de la imagen corporal en Embera-Chamí: Dimensiones corporales

Los embera chamí de Cristianía integran una comunidad ubicada en la jurisdicción de Jardín, suroriente antioqueño. Este estudio integra las concepciones que la comunidad tiene de su cuerpo y la percepción de la imagen corporal. Se realizó estudios antropológicos que evidencian la relación entre la percepción del cuerpo sentido y vivido, la prevención y el seguimiento de las recomendaciones preventivas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar en hombres y mujeres cómo autoperciben las dimensiones corporales. Se diseñó un estudio que comprendiera la observación etnográfica y entrevistas, combinando la información cualitativa con la información cuantitativa y la medición por antropometría del tamaño y forma corporal. De acuerdo a los resultados, la percepción del Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC) es muy similar al de otras sociedades no indígenas, ya que los hombres tienden a subestimar su IMC y las mujeres a sobrestimarlo. Es prevalente el aumento de peso con relación a la edad en mujeres y el patrón dietario.

Knowledge and Perception of Risks and Complications of Maternal Obesity during Pregnancy

The goal of this prospective survey study was to assess the knowledge and understanding of the risks of maternal obesity during pregnancy in patients visiting a prenatal Health Clinic at an academic, public medical center located in Macon, Georgia. Demographic information and questions about knowledge and perception of Body Mass Index (BMI) and maternal obesity risks were collected. Responses were scored between 0-100% and categorized to minimal, good and broad knowledge groups. The study population ranged in age from 18 to 69 years and 85.3% of the study participants were African American and 12.7% Caucasian. Most respondents have moderately good knowledge of maternal obesity risk. However, only 40.2% of women were aware of the term BMI, 48% knew goals of weight gain during pregnancy, and 51% were aware that obesity increases the risk of stillbirth. Obese patients were more aware of the risk for pregnancy complications compared to normal and overweight. But only 29.7% of them correctly identified themselves as obese, 53.1% classify themselves as overweight, 15.6% normal and 1.6% report being underweight. Maternal weight, educational status and daily exercise were consistently associated with good and broad knowledge of maternal risks. Overall, most women have limited knowledge of BMI, goals of weight gain during pregnancy and risks of maternal obesity on them and their unborn child. The perception of most overweight and obese women about their current weight was imprecise. Our findings underscore the need for healthcare providers to make pregnant women more aware of the increased risks associated with overweight and obesity.

Socioeconomic status and misperception of body mass index among Mexican adults.

To estimate the association between perceived body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic variables in adults in Mexico. We studied 32052 adults from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2006. We estimated BMI misperception by comparing the respondent's weight perception (as categories of BMI) with the corresponding category according to measured weight and height. Misperception was defined as respondent's perception of a BMI category different from their actual category. Socioeconomic status was assessed using household assets. Logistic and multinomial regression models by gender and BMI category were estimated. Adult women and men highly underestimate their BMI category. We found that the probability of a correct classification was lower than the probability of getting a correct result by chance alone. Better educated and more affluent individuals are more likely to have a correct perception of their weight status, particularly among overweight adults. Given that a correct perception of weight has been associated with an increased search of weight control and that our results show that the studied population underestimated their BMI, interventions providing definitions and consequences of overweight and obesity and encouraging the population to monitor their weight could be beneficial.

Perceptions of body mass index (BMI) in pediatric cancer survivors and their providers

Abnormalities in BMI are well documented in childhood cancer survivors. Perceptions of BMI status in cancer survivors have been understudied. This study determines the accuracy of parent/survivor and provider reporting of BMI status in a cancer survivor program. This is a retrospective study. Parent/survivor assessment of BMI status was obtained from a baseline questionnaire of subjects enrolled in Children's Healthcare of Atlanta-Childhood, Adolescent, and Young Adult Cancer Survivor Study (CHOA-CAYACSS). Provider reporting of BMI was obtained from a clinic visit close in date to completion of the survey. Perceptions of BMI were compared to actual BMI status calculated from clinic visits and categorized based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) BMI guidelines. Perceptions of BMI were collected from 290 survivors of pediatric cancer or their parents (range, 4.3-22.9 years). Nearly 5% of survivors were underweight, 19.7% overweight and 16.2% obese. High BMI was the BMI state least likely to be correctly identified by parents, survivors, and providers. Among survivors with high BMI, parents, survivors, and providers failed to identify the problem 49.4%, 66.7%, and 26.9% of the time, respectively. Providers were less likely to correctly identify overweight compared to obese status (P < 0.0001). Accuracy of BMI recognition was independent of gender of survivor, ethnicity, or primary cancer diagnosis. Abnormal BMI states, especially overweight, are frequently not correctly perceived by parents/survivors or providers. Assessment of BMI status and discussion about steps to normalize BMI is needed to prevent weight related morbidities in this population.

The Association of Body Mass Index, Perceived Body Mass Index, and Predictors of Eating Disorders among a Sample of College Students

Rates of eating disorders have increased recently and are a public health concern especially among college students. Understanding variables that are associated with eating disorders could be helpful in preventing them. Participants (N=525) were students from a large southwestern university. It was hypothesized that a desire for an underweight body mass index (BMI) would be predicted by one's ability to accurately identify one's current BMI while controlling for variables previously shown to be associated with eating behaviors, which included body dissatisfaction; drive for thinness; social physique anxiety; bulimia tendencies; dietary restraint; age; race; Greek membership; and gender were included in the regression model. Women scored higher than men on measures of social physique anxiety, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness, and dietary restraint, although more then twice the proportion of men (49%) as compared with women (22%) were overweight or obese. Women were more accurate in correctly identifying their own BMI category. However, incorrectly identifying one's BMI was the only significant predictor of desiring an underweight BMI among women. No independent variables predicted the desire for an underweight BMI among men. Future research should assess the preventive and predictive power of accurately assessing one's BMI with eating behaviors.