An Examination of Estimated BMI and Perceived Wellness among Students at a Midsized Midwest University

Abstract

Health is complex and the perception of individual wellness can be influenced by various factors.Students at a Midwestern university estimated their BMI, completed the Perceived Wellness Survey, andhad their BMI calculated. Measured BMI was significantly higher than estimated [F(2,155) = 62.03, p= 0.001]. Associations existed between the measured constructs of psychological (r = -0.231; p = 0.004),spiritual (r = 0.248; p = 0.002), and estimated BMI. Data indicates that perceived body composition isrelated to wellness. False perception of body composition could lead to wellness deficiencies.