Racial Differences in Perceived Weight Status
Author Information
Author(s): Gary G Bennett, Kathleen Y Wolin
Primary Institution: Harvard School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Do racial/ethnic differences exist in weight status misperception among overweight adults?
Conclusion
Weight status misperceptions among the overweight are more common among Blacks and Hispanic men.
Supporting Evidence
- Blacks were twice as likely to misperceive their weight compared to Whites.
- Hispanics were 70% more likely to misperceive their weight compared to Whites.
- Overweight Black women were twice as likely to misperceive their weight compared to overweight White women.
- Obese Black adults were more likely to misperceive their weight than their White counterparts.
Takeaway
Some people think they weigh the right amount when they actually don't, and this is especially true for Black and Hispanic people.
Methodology
The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2002, focusing on overweight and obese adults.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported weight perceptions and social comparison influences.
Limitations
BMI does not account for body fat distribution, and the variable for physician diagnosis was not time-specific.
Participant Demographics
Participants included overweight and obese adult men and women, with a focus on racial/ethnic groups.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 1.71, 2.54
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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