Perceived Weight Status Research Articles

Perception of body size and body dissatisfaction in adults

Self-perception of body size seems to be not always in line with clinical definitions of normal weight, overweight and obesity according to Word Health Organization classification. The effect of self-perception of body size disturbances and body dissatisfaction may be the development of eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder—a major risk factor of obesity development. Therefore, the study aimed to assess separately the perception of weight status and body size as well as body dissatisfaction in adults with normal weight, overweight and obesity. The study included 744 adults (452 women; 35.9 ± 12.4 years; 21 underweight, 326 normal weight, 221 overweight, 176 obese) referred to Metabolic Management Center and volunteers. Body size perception and body dissatisfaction were assessed based on Stunkards’ Figure Rating Scale (FRS). Additionally, participants’ were asked: ‘Do you think you are: underweight/normal weight/overweight/obese?’ to assess perception of weight status. Participants’ weight and height were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) after completing the FRS. Individuals within the overweight BMI range have rated themselves as underweight (1.4%), normal weight (30.8%) and obese (2.8%). Also individuals within the obesity BMI range have rated themselves as normal weight (2.6%), and overweight (41.6%). Compatibility of self-assessment of weight status with BMI category according to the measured values was moderate—Kappa coefficient was 0.59 (95% CI: 0.54–0.64). Underestimation of weight status was significantly more common among men than women. There were statistically significant differences in the distribution of body dissatisfaction according to the weight in both women and men. Normal-weight subjects less often than overweight and obese were dissatisfied with their own body size. The degree of body dissatisfaction was greater among women than among men. Adults subjects frequently underestimate their own weight status and body size. Women with overweight and obesity more often than men are dissatisfied with their own body size.

Owners' views of canine nutrition, weight status and wellbeing and their implications for the veterinary consultation.

To investigate owners' views around canine nutrition and wellbeing, how these beliefs may differ according to the weight status of the dog and the implications for owner support approaches. A researcher-mediated questionnaire collected quantitative and qualitative data via structured interviews with dog owners (n=147) attending a country park in the East Midlands, UK, with a specific focus on views around canine nutrition and wellbeing. Forty-four percent of owners cited "past experience" when determining what to feed, and only 9% of owners cited the veterinarian as a source of this information. When comparing chosen verbal description versus non-sequential body condition score images of the dog, only 22% of owners with overweight animals matched perceived verbal and visual appraisals, compared with 89% of owners of ideal weight dogs. Owners cited a good diet and regular exercise as important factors for canine wellbeing, but companionship with other dogs as the least important factor. Owners report being aware of the important association between canine nutrition and wellbeing, but their considered importance of factors influencing dog wellbeing may be influenced by their perceived weight status of the animal. Veterinarians may need to reframe owner discourse such that there is more routine discussion around weight and nutrition at every consultation. Furthermore, the use of non-sequential body condition score images could be a useful tool for a more considered opinion of canine weight status by owners.

Parental Perception of Body Weight Status of Their 8-year-old Children: Findings from the European CHOP Study

BackgroundMaternal perception of child weight status in children with overweight or obesity has received a lot of attention but data on paternal perception of children from presumably healthy cohorts are lacking.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate paternal and maternal perception of child weight status at the age of 8 years in a cohort of 591 children from 5 European countries.Material and MethodsIncluded were 8-year-old children and their parents participating in the European Childhood Obesity Project (EU CHOP). Weight and height of children and parents were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Both parents were asked to assess their perception of child weight status using Eckstein scales and their concern about child overweight. The agreement between mother and father perceptions was assessed by Cohen kappa coefficient and their relationship was analyzed by linear mixed effects models based on ordinal logistic regression, accounting for country, child gender and BMI, parental BMI, level of education, concern and type of feeding during first year of life.ResultsData from children and both parents were available for 432 girls and boys. Mean BMI was comparable in boys and girls (16.7 ± 2.31 vs. 16.9 ± 2.87 kg/m2, P = 0.55). In total, 172 children (29.3%) were overweight or obese. There was a high degree of agreement between mother and father perceptions of their child’s weight status (Cohen kappa 0.77). Multivariate modelling showed that perception levels significantly increased with child BMI but were globally lower than assessed. They differed between countries, gender and types of feeding during first year of life, were influenced by education level of the father but were not related to parental BMI and concern about childhood overweight.ConclusionsThe study showed no overall differences between mothers and fathers in rating their child’s weight status but both parents had a propensity to underestimate their child’s actual weight, particularly in boys.The EU CHOP trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00338689.

Association between perception of pre-pregnancy body weight and nutritional status during pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

Perception of body weight often affects dietary intake and biological nutrient concentrations. However, the association during pregnancy has not been clarified. This study examined the association of the perceived pre-pregnancy body weight with nutrient intake and circulating nutrient concentrations during pregnancy. The cross-sectional study was conducted at a university hospital in Tokyo, Japan, from 2010 to 2014. Nutrient intake was assessed using a diet history questionnaire. The circulating concentrations of some nutrients were measured. The participants were divided into the following groups based on the perceived pre-pregnancy body weight: thin group (TG, n=174), average group (AG, n=357), and fat group (FG, n=220). Analysis of covariance was performed to compare the nutritional status among the groups. Women in the AG had significantly higher energy-adjusted intake of important nutrients such as eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, total dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and folate compared with women in the TG or FG. Among women with pre-pregnancy normal body mass index (BMI), intakes of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B1 and the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and β-carotene concentrations were significantly lower in the FG than in TG or AG. Among women with pre-pregnancy underweight, no significant differences were found in the nutritional status between the groups. Pregnant Japanese women who overestimate their pre-pregnancy body weight despite having a normal BMI may need to have their nutritional status carefully assessed as a high-risk population for several nutrient deficiencies.

Readiness to change among parents of overweight/obese children in Saudi Arabia and influencing factors.

Pediatric overweight/obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Accurate parental perception of children's weight status is crucial in preventing and tackling this issue. Despite the consistent increase in prevalence of the childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia, the role of the parents is not well described. This study aims to explore Saudi parents' readiness to change the lifestyle of their overweight/obese children and the barriers facing it. Through a cross-sectional design, 362 parents of overweight/obese children attending King Abdulla Specialized Children's Hospital were selected and requested to fill a predesigned questionnaire reflecting their perception about their children's weight status and their preparedness to change their lifestyle. A Chi-square test was used to verify significance. A P value of <0.05 was considered an indication of significance. Among all overweight/obese children (n = 362), obese children formed 39.5 and 22.7% had morbid obesity. Only one half of the parents (49.7%) had correct perception about their children's weight. Correct perception increases significantly with an increase age of the child and in the presence of family history of diabetes, P < 0.05. Only 68.9% were worried about body weight of their children, the percentage was significantly higher in younger parents; parents with obese children and with a positive family history of hypertension P < 0.05. In total, 83.1% of the worried parents proceeded to preparation and action stages; the percentage was significantly higher among parents whom their children were free from identified comorbidities, P < 0.05. Misconception about real weight status of overweight/obese children is common in Saudi parents. Parents who have correct perception and worried about health status of their children are more likely to take actions. The first step in controlling children's obesity is to educate parents about how to recognize the real weight status of their children and to be aware about the health-related problems of obesity.

Secondary School Male Students Perception Towards Their Weight, Almethnab Town, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

ObjectiveTo determine the perception of Almethnab town secondary school male students towards their body weights.MethodologyWe surveyed male secondary school students in Almethnab town in Qassim using a self-administered questionnaire and weighing/height scale. All of the four secondary schools were targeted. The calculated sample size was 256 students. A stratified cluster sampling technique was used to select research participants. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated and interpreted using web-based CDC childhood and adolescent BMI calculator. Weight status perception was assessed by comparing students' opinions about their weight against BMI percentile status.ResultsOut of 363 selected students, all of the available 270 students participated, with a response rate of 74%. Thirty-two (12.2%) of the students were underweight, 143 (54.6%) were normal, 30 (11.5%) were overweight, and 57 (21.8%) were obese. Students perception towards their weight was correct for 159 (65%) of students. Out of the 87 overweight/obese students, 16 (18.4%) perceived their weight as appropriate, 17 (53.1%) of 32 underweight students look at their bodies as normal, while 29 (20.4%) of normal weight students perceive themselves as overweight. Obese students exercise less both in frequency and duration than non-obese ones. Sweetened drinks, fast food and frequent snacks are weakly associated with obesity.ConclusionPrevalence of obesity is very high among male secondary school students in Almethnab town.One-third of students have misperceptions about weight status.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WEIGHT STATUS AND BODY IMAGE PERCEPTION AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS IN TERENGGANU

Body image is the picture of how our body is perceived and stored in our mind. During puberty, many changes occur in the body of an adolescents. Often, a change in physical appearance has an impact on the levels of body’s satisfaction. Thus, it is crucial to assess the body image among adolescents to ensure the wellbeing of both physical and mental health is at optimal stage. Therefore, the aims of the present study is to determine the body fat percentage of female adolescents. Then, to evaluate the association between weight status and body image perception. Lastly, to assess whether the attitudes towards body image are predictive of female adolescents weight status. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 198 female adolescents in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. Anthropometric measurements included weight and height, and BMI was determined. Body composition was assessed by using Bio-electrical Impedance Analysis through Bodystat Quadscan 4000 instrument. Body image perception was measured using the Stunkard’s Figure Rating Scale and Attitudes towards Body Image that was adapted from the Multidimensional Body Self Relation Questionnaire (MBSRQ). A total of 27.8% of female adolescents were overweight and 1.0 % were obese by body fat. Among the female adolescents, 62.5% of them were dissatisfied with their body image, although 57.5% of them were in the normal weight category. Pearson’s Chi Square test revealed there is an association between weight status and body image perception among the female adolescents (p&lt;0.045). Based on the Multiple Linear Regression Analysis, there is a significant linear relationship between attitudes towards body image, domain of comparison of body shape and BMI (p&lt;0.005). Thus, for every 1 unit increase in the domain of comparison of body shape there will be 0.570 decreased in BMI. Comparison of body shape is a significant predicting factor for BMI. In conclusion, further study should be carried out to investigate the factors that can possibly lead to the development of dissatisfaction with body image and the effects of getting negative body image in life of the adolescents during their adolescent’s phase.

Perception of Overall Health, Weight Status, and Gaining Weight in Relationship With Self-Reported BMI Among High School Students.

Background: Correct perception of weight status and gaining weight are important motivational factors for physical activity among overweight and obese children. However, misperception is common.Objective: The objective of this study is to assess perceptions of overall health, weight status, and weight gain in relation to BMI among high school students.Methods: A face-to-face validated survey-based study was conducted among high school students. BMI was calculated based on the self-reported height and weight to compare with perceived weight status based on a question: “Do you consider yourself to be underweight, overweight, about right, or obese?" Participants were asked to rate their health and how much they worry about gaining weight. Descriptive and chi-square tests were used for analysis. The level of significance was 0.05.Results: The results of this study show female students are more likely to perceive themselves as overweight and worried about gaining weight compared to their male peers. The results also show that a low percentage of male and female students rate their overall health as poor with an overweight BMI.Conclusion: The results of this study provide the framework for understanding the differences in how male and female high school students perceive their health, weight status, and weight gain in relation to BMI. Inaccurate perception of one’s weight status increases the risk of being overweight/obese and decreases the likelihood that students will engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Internalized weight bias in the relationship between mental health and obesity in UK adolescents

Abstract Background It is crucial to promote mental and physical health during adolescence to protect against lifetime risks of mental health problems and obesity. Internalized weight bias (self-directed stigmatizing attitudes about perceived weight status) and bullying are implicated as potential mechanisms in the relationship between mental health and obesity in adolescence. We examined internalized weight bias and bullying as potential mediators of the relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods We analysed data on 8,688 adolescents from the UK Millennium Cohort Study. Weight status was defined using sex and age specific International Obesity Taskforce cut points for body-mass index (not overweight/obese; overweight; obese) at 11 and 17 years. Mental health was defined using parental reported emotional (anxiety and depression), and externalizing (aggression and impulsivity) symptoms at 11 and 17 years (low; moderate; high). Self-reported measures of internalized weight bias captured via body-dissatisfaction and self-esteem and bullying at 14 years were tested as mediators. We used Generalized Structural Equation Models to examine longitudinal pathways between weight status and mental health across 11 and 17 years, whilst accounting for concurrent associations and potential confounders. Results Adolescents with high emotional (relative risk (RR) 1.98, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.07) or externalizing symptoms (RR 2.07, 95% CI 1.23 to 3.48) at 11 years were twice as likely to be obese at 17 years compared with those who had low symptoms. The impact of emotional and externalizing symptoms on weight status was found to be partially attributable to internalized weight bias, but not bullying, with significant mediation for body-dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. Conclusions Internalized weight bias partially explains the relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence. Key messages There is a need for a holistic, early prevention strategy to focus on reducing weight stigma to encourage healthy mental and physical development of children. The relationship between mental health and weight status across adolescence is partly attributable to internalized weight bias.

1019Socioeconomic inequities in 5-year weight trajectories in association with baseline weight-related perceptions: a longitudinal study

Abstract Background Recognition of overweight may be a necessary pre-cursor for weight-reduction, but some suggest under-perceiving overweight may be protective against obesity. Differential responses may occur across socioeconomic strata. Methods Five-year body mass index (BMI) trajectories were examined using multilevel models of 8174 participants stratified by gender, neighbourhood socioeconomic circumstances, baseline BMI and perceived weight status, adjusting for potential confounders. Results At baseline, weight-related dissatisfaction and perceived overweight were associated with higher mean BMI, regardless of whether people were classified as ‘normal’ or overweight by WHO criteria. Mean BMI did not decrease among people classified as overweight who perceived themselves as overweight, or expressed weight-related dissatisfaction. Among those with ‘normal’ BMI at baseline but dissatisfied with their weight, mean BMI increased disproportionately among people in disadvantaged areas. Mean BMI also rose disproportionately for people in disadvantaged areas among those feeling overweight, despite having a ‘normal’ BMI, compared to people with the same over-perception but living in affluent areas. Conclusions No evidence was found to suggest accurate recognition of overweight or expressing weight-related dissatisfaction leads to a lower BMI. However, there was evidence of an increase in mean BMI among people who felt dissatisfied with, or over-perceived their ‘normal’ weight, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. Key messages Correction of under-perceptions may not drive weight loss, but circumstances contributing to over-perception and dissatisfaction with weight status may contribute to increased weight gain and exacerbate socioeconomic inequities in BMI.

Associations Between Perceived Weight Status and Allostatic Load Among Adolescents

Explain the relationship between allostatic load and weight perception of adolescents at a healthy weight and overweight status. Adolescence is a critical time in growth and development which can influence one’s perception of body image. Particularly, body dissatisfaction is a potential stressor among adolescents. Allostatic load is a useful tool to assess the impact of perceived stress on health. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between allostatic load and weight perception among healthy weight and overweight adolescents. A sample of 896 adolescents ages 12-19 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018 was stratified by weight status. Allostatic load was calculated based on biomarkers representing cardiovascular, metabolic and immune systems. Accuracy of weight perception was assessed using a question regarding weight perception and coding it as either accurate or inaccurate based on self-reported weight. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between allostatic load and accuracy of perceived weight status while adjusting for confounders. Allostatic load scores did not differ by weight perception in adolescents at a healthy weight (accurate perception μ =1.32; inaccurate perception μ=1.20; p=0.76). Those who accurately perceived their weight as overweight or obese had significantly higher allostatic load scores than those who inaccurately perceived their weight (μ=3.35, μ=2.69, respectively; ß=-0.67 SE=0.20, p<0.01). Among overweight or obese adolescents, those who accurately assess their weight status had higher levels of cardiovascular, metabolic and immune stress. Further research is needed to understand if allostatic load is associated with stress related to perceived weight bias.

Relationship of Weight Perceptions on Dietary Intake Behaviors in Healthy Weight and Overweight/Obese Adults: National Health and Nutrition Survey (2011-2014)

Compare energy balance and diet quality differences of healthy weight and overweight/obese adults who perceive their weight status accurately versus inaccurately. Weight status can affect health outcomes, but weight misperceptions can cause altered health behaviors. This study assessed relationships between weight misperceptions, energy balance, and overall dietary quality in healthy weight and overweight/obese adults. Participants (n=7,599) included adults participating in the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weight status and weight perception, based on the question “How do you consider your weight?”, were recoded into four categories: healthy weight accurate perceptions (HWaccurate), healthy weight inaccurate perceptions (HWinaccurate), overweight/obese accurate perceptions (OWaccurate), and overweight/obese inaccurate perceptions (OWinaccurate). Percent energy balance was calculated using actual energy intake divided by estimated energy requirements. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) was computed using two, 24-hour recalls. Multiple linear regression assessed differences in percent energy balance and HEI-2015 by weight perception category while adjusting for demographic factors. After adjusting for covariates, percent energy balance of HWinaccurate (72.82% SE 2.51, ß=-6.67, p=0.014), OWaccurate (69.59% SE 0.78, ß=-10.31, p<0.001), and OWinaccurate (70.95% SE 1.13, ß=-5.84, p<0.001) groups were significantly lower than HWaccurate group (79.66%, SE 0.81). HEI-2015 scores for OWaccurate participants were significantly lower than HWaccurate (HEI 53.61 SE 0.35 vs. HEI 56.72 SE 0.70, ß=-1.79, p<0.001), but were not significantly different from either inaccurate group. Healthy weight adults who perceive their weight accurately consume diets more closely matching their energy needs and dietary recommendations than do overweight/obese adults or those who perceive their weight inaccurately. This suggests that weight perceptions, not just weight status, should be considered during nutrition counseling for adults.

What is normal body weight? Perceptions around "average" and "healthy" body weight among adolescents in Indiana.

Biological normalcy is a framework that investigates relationship(s) between statistical norms and normative views/beliefs around particular traits. This study assessed the relationships between perceptions of average body weight, healthy body weight, and weight status among adolescents. Adolescents recruited in southcentral Indiana, United States (n=123) completed online questionnaires for demographics and body weight perceptions. Silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale measured perceived weight status, perceived average body weight, and perceived healthy body weight. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index-for-age percentiles. A subsample (n=11) provided descriptions of "average," "healthy," and "normal" bodies during semi-structured interviews. As perceived average body weight increased, selections of "healthy" silhouettes shifted downward, with smaller female silhouettes being marked healthy more often and larger male silhouettes being marked healthy less often. Additionally, perceived weight status was positively associated with perceptions around average body weight and lowest body weight perceived to be healthy for female and male silhouettes. Qualitative data demonstrated significant overlap in adolescents' descriptions of "average," "healthy," and "normal" bodies as well as dual meanings for the term "normal" in adolescents' views of body weight. Perceived weight status appears to play a role in adolescents' conceptualizations of average and healthy body weight. Additionally, Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that perceived body weight norms were associated with normative perceptions around what healthy bodies look like. This study demonstrates relationships between statistical norms and normative views around body weight, underscoring the duality in how body weight is understood to be "normal" among adolescents.

Weight Misperception among African American Adolescents: The Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot Study

Weight misperception is a common problem among adolescents; however, few studies have examined contributing factors among an exclusively African American population. The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with weight misperception among 12- to 19-year-old participants in the Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot Study (JHS-KIDS). Data were drawn from JHS-KIDS, a prospective, observational examination of cardiovascular-related risk factors among African American adolescents who were children or grandchildren of participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Adolescent weight misperception - discordance between measured weight status and perceived weight status - was the primary outcome of interest. Self-reported weight control behaviors, parent concerns about adolescents' weight, parent-perceived responsibility for adolescent's weight and daily hassles were the primary independent variables of interest. The analytic sample was equally divided by females (n=107) and males (n=105) and one third of study participants (33.5%) had discordance between their actual and perceived weight. Results from fully adjusted sex-stratified modified Poisson regression models indicated that weight behavior control was significant among females (PR = .66, 95%CI:1.20-2.30). Parental concerns about child weight were significant for males. Each additional point increase in the parent's concern about their weight score was associated with a 9% increase in the adjusted prevalence of weight misperception among males (95%CI: 1.03-1.16). The sex-specific patterns in this study highlight heterogeneity among African American adolescents and an urgent need to consider sex and gender when developing targeted interventions for youth who are at high risk for weight misperceptions and unhealthy weight control practices.

Body image perception and body composition in early adolescents: a longitudinal study of an Italian cohort

BackgroundAdolescence is a sensitive period of life in which everyone faces physical and psychological changes. No longitudinal studies considering changes in body image perception and body composition in Italian adolescents have been carried out. The aims of this study were to evaluate the longitudinal change in body composition and weight status in a sample of Italian students of both sexes over the 3 years of middle school and to analyse the influence of these parameters on the perception and satisfaction of one’s own body image.MethodsSixty-four males and seventy females were followed longitudinally from 11 to 14. Age at first measurement was 11.8 ± 0.3 yrs. in males and 11.9 ± 0.3 yrs. in females, then the students were measured again after 1 year and 2 years. Anthropometric measurements were collected and body composition was assessed by skinfolds. Maturity status was detected by age at menarche in females and by estimated age at peak height velocity in males; sports practice was assessed by a questionnaire. Body Silhouette Charts were used to assess body image perception. The degree of body image dissatisfaction and improper perception of weight status were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied.ResultsHeight, sitting height, leg length, and weight increments were higher in males than in females, and in both sexes the sitting height increment was higher than that of leg length. Skinfold thicknesses and percentage of body fat, showed a decrease in males and an increase in females over the 3 years. About 90% of the sample practiced sport during the 3 years. No significant variations in body image perception were observed among repeated measures but significantly differences were observed between sexes. Although the girls showed a lower incidence of overweight and obesity than boys, girls had a higher dissatisfaction than males. Males were less accurate in one’s perception of one’s own weight status.ConclusionsThe changes in body composition observed in the sample of the present study were in accordance with their maturity stage. An increase in parameters connected with adiposity is observed in females and a decrease in males. Body image perception did not seem to change with growth, but associations were found between body image perception and BMI and sex. Monitoring body image perception in young adolescents, especially in females and in overweight/obese subjects, is a priority to prevent nutritional disorders.

E-cigarette and marijuana use and the attainment of obesity prevention guidelines among U.S. adolescents.

The study objectives were to examine the associations of exclusive and dual use of e-cigarettes and marijuana and the attainment of the "Let's Go! 5-2-1-0" obesity prevention guidelines and perceptions of weight status among U.S. adolescents. Data from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a school-based nationally representative cross-sectional study, were analyzed (N=12,578). Participants were categorized based on their past 30-day e-cigarette and marijuana use as: non-users, exclusive e-cigarette users, exclusive marijuana users, and dual users. Adjusted logistic regression models were conducted. Of adolescents, 5.2% were exclusive e-cigarette users, 10.3% were exclusive marijuana users, and 7.4% were dual users. Compared to non-users, exclusive e-cigarette users were more likely (aOR=1.55, 95%CI=1.16-2.07) to meet the physical activity recommendation. Compared to dual-users, exclusive e-cigarette users were more likely (aOR=1.47, 95%CI=1.10-1.97) to meet the screen time recommendation. Compared to non-users, exclusive marijuana users were at increased odds to meet the fruit/vegetable recommendation (aOR=1.33, 95%CI=1.03-1.71), but were at decreased odds to meet the sugar-sweetened beverages recommendation (aOR=0.81, 95%CI=0.65-0.99). Compared to exclusive e-cigarette users, exclusive marijuana users were less likely to meet the screen time (aOR=0.71, 95%CI=0.54-0.93) and physical activity recommendations (aOR=0.60, 95%CI=0.43-0.84). Compared with dual users, exclusive marijuana users were more likely (aOR=1.38, 95%CI=1.01-1.88) to perceive themselves as slightly/very overweight. Compared to non-users, dual users were less likely to meet the sugar-sweetened beverages recommendation (aOR=0.63, 95%CI=0.46-0.87). Adolescent current marijuana users and dual users were less likely to meet obesity prevention guidelines. Prevention efforts are needed to reduce e-cigarette and marijuana use and increase adherence to these guidelines.

The Relationship between Bodyweight Status and Weight Perception Explains Differences in Calories Ordered in a Food Choice Exercise.

Understanding food choice is critical to be able to address the rise in obesity rates around the globe. In this paper, we examine the relationship between measured (BMI, using self-reported height and weight) and perceived weight status with the number of calories ordered in a controlled online food choice exercise. A total of 1044 participants completed an online food choice exercise in which they selected ingredients for a sandwich from five categories: meat/protein, cheese, spread/dressing, bread, and vegetables. We examine the number of calories ordered by participants and use linear regression to study the relationship of BMI category relative to self-reported perceived weight status with calories ordered. As a comparison to previous literature, we also examine the relationship between relative weight status and self-reported dieting behavior using logistic regression. We find that participants perceiving themselves to have a higher BMI than their BMI calculated using height and weight ordered significantly fewer calories and were more likely to report dieting than participants who perceived themselves to have a lower BMI than their calculated BMI. The relationship between perceived weight status and measured weight status explains behavior in a food choice task. Understanding how people perceive their weight may help design effective health messages.

Factors Associated with Self-Esteem, Resilience, Mental Health, and Psychological Self-Care Among University Students in Northern Thailand.

BackgroundThe severity of mental health issues among university students in rural areas can affect the outcomes of their studies. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with self-esteem, resilience, mental health, and psychological self-care among university students.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 729 undergraduate students by a self-administered questionnaire. Using convenience sampling, the participants were chosen from four majoring in Public Health at University of Phayao in Northern Thailand.ResultsApproximately 82% of university students had mental health problem. Backward logistic regression analysis showed that 1) a good relationship with family had a significantly positive effect on self-esteem (p-value <0.05); 2) a good relationship with friends was significantly associated with high resilience (p-value <0.05); 3) having a disease/s and a relationship with family had a significant effect on mental health problem (p-value <0.05); 4) being female, perceived normal weight, and a good relationship with family were significantly related to high psychological self-care (p-value <0.05).ConclusionGender, incurrent disease, perceived weight status, relationship with friends and family were associated with self-esteem, resilience, mental health, and psychological self-care among university students. Our findings can be incorporated in a support policy and integrated into the public health curriculum. University administrators and faculty have an opportunity to formulate an intervention program and provide services that could mitigate mental health problems and improve the well-being of students at their university.

Weight stigma and health behaviors: evidence from the Eating in America Study

BackgroundWeight stigma is pervasive across the U.S. and is associated with poor health outcomes including all-cause mortality. One potential reason that weight stigma may be detrimental to health is that it begets poorer health behaviors. Therefore, the present study tested for associations between weight stigma and four health behaviors (i.e., eating behavior, alcohol use, sleep disturbance, and physical activity), while controlling for BMI and other potential confounds.Subjects/MethodsParticipants (N = 2022) in the U.S. were recruited for the Eating in America Study using a Qualtrics panel between December 2019 and January 2020 and were census-matched according to national quotas for age, gender, income, race/ethnicity, and census region. Participants completed questionnaires about weight stigma, health behaviors, demographics, and anthropometric measurements. The current study employed a two-stage investigation: exploratory analyses were first performed on a random sample of the dataset (n = 438), then the remaining unexamined data were used to conduct confirmatory analyses that were preregistered on the Open Science Framework.ResultsControlling for BMI, weight stigma was significantly associated with greater disordered eating (b = 0.34, 95% CI [0.31, 0.38], p < 0.001), comfort eating (b = 0.32, 95% CI [0.25, 0.39], p < 0.001), sleep disturbance (b = 0.27, 95% CI [0.20, 0.33], p < 0.001), and alcohol use (b = 0.30, 95% CI [0.11, 0.49], p = 0.002), but not lower physical activity (b = −0.04, 95% CI [−0.13, 0.05], p = 0.402) for individuals across the weight spectrum. BMI and perceived weight status significantly moderated the effects of weight stigma on disordered eating and alcohol use. No gender differences were found. These confirmatory analyses partially replicated the exploratory stage 1 findings.ConclusionsThis study provides preliminary evidence that weight stigma is linked to several poor health behaviors, which may impact physical health.

Concordance Between the Weight of Spanish Adolescent Soccer Players, Their Self-Perceived Weight, and Their Weight as Perceived by Their Parents

Purpose: In the context of soccer clubs, to analyze the concordance between players' actual weight, their self-perceived weight, and their weight as perceived by their parents; to determine which variables might explain the presence of concordance between parents' perception of adolescents' weight and their actual weight.Design and study: A cross-sectional study involving 330 soccer players aged between 13 and 16. Data on personal characteristics of adolescents and parents were analyzed, as well as parents' perceptions of adolescents' weight status and their self-perception. A descriptive analysis of the personal characteristics of the sample (adolescents and parents) and an analysis of the variables explaining the presence of concordance between the parents' perception of adolescents' weight and their actual weight were performed.Results: 19% of the adolescents were overweight and 3.4% were obese. The concordance between parents' perceptions of players' weight and players' actual weight was weak. The concordance between adolescents' self-perceived weight and their actual weight was moderate. The difference in BMI scores according to presence or absence of concordance was statistically significant: these scores were higher in the absence of concordance. Discordance between adolescents' weight and their parents' perception of their weight was associated with parents having lower levels of education.Conclusion: A high percentage of parents and players misperceived their actual weight. This discrepancy was associated with higher BMI scores for adolescents.Practice implications: Nurses should include promotion of accurate weight perception in educational interventions on excess weight.