Perceived weight status and weight change among a U.S. adult sample

Abstract

Objectives Examine bi-directional associations between weight perception and weight change over time among adults. Methods Data are from adult employees (N=623) across 12 U.S. public high schools participating in a cluster-randomized multilevel weight gain prevention intervention. Data were collected at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Perceived weight status (very/somewhat underweight, just right, somewhat overweight, very overweight) were obtained via self-administered surveys. Weight (kg) was measured by trained staff. Change in weight was calculated as the difference between baseline weight and weight at each follow-up timepoint. Structural equation models were used to assess bi-directional associations of perceived weight status and change in weight over time. Models adjusted for study condition, gender, age, race/ethnicity, education level and previous timepoint. Results The sample was 65% female with a mean age of 44.6 (SD=11.3). Nearly two thirds of the sample consisted of people with overweight (38.8%) or obesity (27.3%). Structural equation models indicated that baseline weight predicted subsequent perceived weight status (β=.26; p<.001), whereas baseline perceived weight status did not predict subsequent change in weight, adjusting for previous timepoint and covariates. Conclusions Results do not support bi-directional causality between weight perception and weight change in an adult sample.

A systematic review of the relationship between weight status perceptions and weight loss attempts, strategies, behaviours and outcomes

“…Overall, there was strong evidence to suggest that individuals who perceived themselves as overweight were more likely to gain weight over time than those who perceived themselves as normal weight across most participant subgroups. Results of a supplementary analysis of a subset of nine studies that assessed weight change using objectively measured BMI only (i.e. those that met quality criterion 8; Table S4a) were consistent with the main evidence synthesis: there was strong evidence to indicate that overall, perceived overweight was associated with weight gain over time.…”

“…Initial database searches identified 10,398 unique records, and an additional 41 articles were identified by authors, from the reference lists of eligible articles or from supplementary searches. Full‐text review of 366 articles was completed, and 74 articles (indicated with asterisks in reference list) that described 78 studies were included in the review (Fig. ).…”

“…There was strong longitudinal evidence for an association between perceived overweight and weight change, such that perceived overweight was associated with greater weight gain or increased likelihood of overweight/obesity onset over time. Twenty‐six findings from high‐quality studies and eight findings from low‐quality studies suggested that perceived overweight was associated with weight gain, while only a small number of null findings were included (2 from low‐quality studies and 4 from high‐quality studies ), and one low‐quality study suggested a negative relation (such that perceived overweight was associated with greater weight loss). Within most participant subgroups split by gender, objective weight status and age group, there was strong evidence for an association between perceived overweight and weight gain, except for the participant subgroup with no weight status criteria (where the evidence for a positive relationship was downgraded to moderate because of mixed findings), and in the combined adolescent subgroup (where there was moderate evidence for a positive association due to there being only one high‐quality study).…”

Effects of linear periodized and non-periodized combined training on body image perception of adults with obesity: A randomized clinical trial

“…This shift could be linked to a potential reevaluation of their goals, as individuals may perceive themselves as more capable and motivated to reduce their silhouette. 25,26 Previous research has associated physical exercise with an enhancement in the perception of competence among adults with obesity, referring to an individual's belief in their ability to accomplish tasks or activities. 27 This surge in perceived competence is intertwined with intrinsic motivation, stemming from the personal satisfaction derived from engaging in an activity.…”

Weight Perceptions and Weight-Related Behaviors among Low Income Postpartum Women

“…Perception of weight was measured by a single question. Women were asked to think about how much they weight and if they considered themselves “very overweight”, “moderately overweight”, “a little overweight”, “just right”, “a little underweight”, “moderately underweight”, or “very underweight” [18].…”