Perceptions of Body Weight and Contributing Weight Gain Factors in British Adults

Fox, K., Stovall, B., Mariacher, K., Pautler, P., Hedgepeth, A., Fengl, C., & Smith, K. Slippery Rock University, Slippery Rock, PA Purpose: To examine the self-perception of body weight and the contributing factors of weight gain in British adults. Methods: A survey was constructed based upon previously validated questionnaires and was randomly administered to subjects in various British cities. Seventy nine subjects with a mean age of 31.92+12.03 and mean body mass index (BMI) of 23.95+4.47 participated in this study. Results: Of the 79 subjects, 52 subjects self-reported their height and weight and were classified into one of three BMI categories: underweight (BMI25). The table below illustrates the subjects’ BMI classifications and their corresponding self-perceptions of body weight. Conclusion: Although a majority of British adults correctly perceived body weight, 50% of underweight, 34% of normal weight, and 25% of overweight subjects misperceived their body weight. British adults contributed their obesity epidemic to lack of physical activity, excess food consumption, slow metabolism, stress/depression and genetics