Body size perception and ideal body size in overweight and obese young adult women

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the differences among actual body size, perceived body size and ideal body size in overweight and obese young adult women. Methods Actual body size was assessed by body mass index (BMI) while self-perceived and ideal body sizes were assessed by the Body Image Assessment Tool-Body Dimension (BIAS-BD). Descriptive statistics were calculated and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed on actual BMI as a function of perceived BMI. Results Of the 42 participants included in the study, 12 were overweight (25≤BMI<30), 18 were obese 1 (30≤BMI<35), and 12 were obese 2 (35≤BMI≤39.48). The mean ideal body size of participants was 25.34±1.33. Participants in general perceived their body size (BMI: 35.82±1.06) to be higher than their actual body size (32.84±0.95). Overweight participants had a significantly higher mean body size misperception than obese 2 individuals (μdif = −6.68, p<.001). Conclusion Perception accuracy of body size differs in women by BMI. Weight loss programs need to be tailored to consider body size misperception in order to improve treatment outcomes for overweight and obese young women.

Using Demographic Variables to Understand Body Size Perception and Implications for Retailers

“…Findings from this research supported previous studies that found many women who have a healthy body weight perceived themselves as being overweight (Brener et al., ; Burke, Heiland, & Nadler, ; Lerner et al., ; Tiggemann, Winefield, Winefield, & Goldney, ). Many women with a healthy body weight overestimate their weight status due to strong social comparisons and a pervasive emphasis of the ideal female figure presented in the media (Cash, ; Steenhuis et al., ).…”

“…According to Lerner et al. (), body dissatisfaction and body size misperception are two factors that emerge and negatively affect body image. Body size misperception occurs when one is unable to correctly recognize his/her body size (Powell et al., ).…”

“…Previous research has found that race, income, and education level are important factors influencing weight perception (Brener et al., ; Kinley, ; Lynch & Kayne, ; Paul et al., ; Powell et al., ; Quick et al., ). Additional research showed that both underestimating and overestimating one's body size is harmful, and the accuracy of how one perceives one's body differs by one's BMI (Lerner et al., ).…”

“…Body image is the mental representation that allows an individual to thoughtfully examine him/herself (Garner, 1997). According to Lerner et al (2016), body dissatisfaction and body size misperception are two factors that emerge and negatively affect body image. Body size misperception occurs when one is unable to correctly recognize his/her body size (Powell et al, 2010).…”

Understanding How Overweight and Obese Emerging Adults Make Lifestyle Choices

“…Also, these persons may not clearly see the problems causing obesity because obesity may have a genetic connection (e.g., family) as well as a social connection where there are shared ideas about food, lifestyle, and/or values about body size (Christakis & Fowler, 2007). Because accurate body image improves adherence to obesity treatment regimens and the effect of weight loss programs (Dorsey, Eberhardt, & Ogden, 2009; Duncan et al, 2011), an intervention targeting overweight and obese emerging adults would benefit from using scripted information that reframes comments about body size to avoid being regarded as offensive while improving the accuracy of perceptions of their bodies (Lerner, Klapes, Mummert, & Cha, 2016)…”