The Perception of Obese Persons

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the perception of obesity in adults. The study sample included 586 participants (body mass index ≥30 kg/m and age ≥18 years). A questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was developed by the researchers in accordance with the literature. A statistically significant difference was found between the description and perception of weight as a threat to health (χ = 57.65; P = .001). The perception of a threat to health was significantly higher in the group that described itself as overweight than other groups, and the group that described itself as having a normal weight had a significantly lower perception of a threat to health than other groups. The most important result of this investigation was that obesity was described by people but there was no awareness of the disease. It is suggested that future studies would increase people's awareness of obesity management.

OASIS: The Obesity Awareness and Insight Scale

“…The remaining 7 full-text articles were retained to assess their psychometric properties and determine the degree to which they assess the core domains of illness awareness (see Supplemental Material 1). (5, 16-20, 33) The findings from each study are summarized in Supplemental Material 2. Detailed descriptions of their psychometric properties can be found in Supplemental Material 3.…”

“…With the increasing global prevalence of obesity and related complications,(35-38) further investigation of obesity awareness (www.illnessawarenessscales.com) is necessary to refine our understanding of its role in treatment outcomes. To accomplish this, a valid measure of subjective illness awareness specific to obesity is essential.…”

“…OASIS was developed following the results of our systemic review of the literature (www.illnessawarenessscales.com). (4, 5, 16-20) Item development was guided by existing theoretical models and previously validated scales of illness awareness in other conditions. (11, 13, 21) Nine items were developed for potential inclusion in OASIS, including 3 items for General Illness Awareness, 2 items for Symptom Attribution, 3 items for Awareness of Need for Treatment and 1 item for Awareness of Negative Consequences.…”

“…(1-3) Yet, despite its presumed role in disease management, impaired obesity awareness is a poorly characterized phenomenon that may represent a meaningful target for intervention to facilitate weight reduction, reduce obesity-related morbidity and mortality, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. (4-6)…”

“…Improving illness awareness in obese adults may facilitate treatment initiation and adherence, and potentially result in reductions in obesity-related morbidity and mortality. (4,5, 6) Yet, in order to accomplish this, a valid, reliable measure is required to accurately assess obesity awareness. The aims of this study were: (1) to perform a systematic review of currently available measures of obesity awareness, and (2) to present the development and initial validation of the Obesity Awareness and Insight Scale (OASIS), a novel instrument designed to assess obesity awareness and its core domains in adults.…”