Ethnic and Sex Variations in Overweight Self‐perception: Relationship to Sedentariness

Abstract

Ethnic and sex variations in overweight self-perception: relationship to sedentariness. Obesity. 2006;14:980 -988. Objective: With increasing frequency, health promotion messages advocating physical activity are claiming weight loss as a benefit. However, messages promoting physical activity as a weight loss strategy may have limited effectiveness and cross-cultural relevance. We recently found self-perceived overweight to be a more robust correlate of sedentary behavior than BMI in Los Angeles County adults. In this study, we examined ethnic and sex differences in overweight self-perception and their association with sedentariness in this sample. Research Methods and Procedures:We conducted bivariate and multivariate analyses of cross-sectional survey data from a representative sample of Los Angeles County adults. Results: Women were more likely to perceive themselves to be overweight than men overall (73.2% of overweight/nonobese and 24.1% of average weight women vs. 44.5% of overweight/non-obese and 5.6% of average weight men) and within each ethnic group. African-Americans were least likely (41.3% of overweight/non-obese African-Americans self-identified as overweight) and whites were most likely to consider themselves overweight (60.6% of overweight/ non-obese whites self-identified as overweight). Overweight (vs. average weight) self-perception was correlated with sedentariness among average weight adults (45.3% vs. 33.0%, p Ͻ 0.001), overweight adults (43.4% vs. 33.6%, p Ͻ 0.001), men (average and overweight: 38.4% vs. 27.8%, p Ͻ 0.001), overweight whites (41.9% vs. 29.7%, p ϭ 0.0012), and African-Americans and Latinos (41.6% vs. 33.9%, p ϭ 0.005). Discussion: These data suggest that our society's emphasis on weight loss rather than lifestyle change may inadvertently discourage physical activity adoption/maintenance among non-obese individuals. However, further research is needed, particularly from prospective cohort and intervention studies, to elucidate the relationship between overweight self-perception and healthy lifestyle change.

Inhibitors and enablers of physical activity in multiethnic hypertensive patients: qualitative study

“…Moreover, Ghanaian and Surinamese participants in our study also referred to specific migration-related barriers to PA. Studies among immigrants in the United Kingdom and the United States, 22,39 have also noted that pressures associated with the 'immigrant condition' may thwart motivation for PA. In addition, corroborating findings from this study, the existence of cultural preferences for large body sizes, [40][41][42][43] and the barriers that such preferences represent for engaging in weight controlling activities, 44,45 have also been observed in other studies. According to a recent study in Ghana, however, body images are changing, particularly in the younger generation.…”

Body image in a representative sample of overweight, obese and normal weight active older women living in the community: associations with body composition, physical fitness and function

“…36 In contrast to our findings in active older women, studies of younger Latina women have reported body dissatisfaction to be present only if the woman was overweight or obese. [37][38][39] In our sample, waist circumference, but not BMI category or body weight, was an independent predictor of body image dissatisfaction only in the overweight and obese older women, and this did not vary with age. We did not observe associations between the distinct silhouettes and body mass index, regardless of weight category.…”

Population-Based Prevention of Obesity

“…Survey data suggest that African American women who are overweight are less likely than Hispanic or non-Hispanic white women to try to lose weight 313 and may not perceive themselves to be overweight. 368 Ethnic minority populations in general are underrepresented in the weight-control literature, although this may reflect the access (both location and eligibility requirements) of minority populations to the studies that have been conducted. Studies comparing weight loss in African Americans and whites in the same program indicate lower average weight loss among African Americans than whites, within sex.…”