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Perception of overweight and obese people about their body (2014)

a systematic review

Auteur(s): Askalu Gebreab

This study was a systematic review conducted to address the perception of overweight and obese people regarding their weight and the factors that influence weight perception. The aim of this study was to give some insight to health intervention planners about the issue from the subjects’ point of view. This review has revealed that many overweight and obese people underestimate their weight. In addition, it was found out that many normal weight people overestimate their weight. Independent of BMI, females were more likely to overestimate their weight, to be less dissatisfied with their body and more desired to be thin. And males were more likely to underestimate their weight, more likely to like the way they look and to be more confident about their physical competence. With regard to the factors that influence weight perception, it was revealed that there were many factors that contribute significant effect on weight perception. These factors are presented in this study as demographic, socio-cultural-cognitive and health related factors. From all the factors, demographic factors were the most studied factors while others were underrepresented. Therefore, further research is needed to explore the strength of the influence of the underrepresented factors on weight perception. Moreover, health interventions that increase awareness of ideal weight status across all BMI groups but with different messages should be promoted.

Literatuurverwijzing: Gebreab, A. (2014). Perception of overweight and obese people about their body: a systematic review. Wageningen: Wageningen University (WUR).

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