Psychological and behavioral correlates of excess weight: misperception of obese status among persons with Class II obesity.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined psychological and behavioral correlates of weight status perception in 173 Class II obese adult community volunteers.


METHODS
Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination-Self-Report (EDE-Q), Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), Beck Depression Inventory, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale online. Key items assessed dieting frequency, weight history, and perceived current weight status (normal weight, overweight, or obese). Actual weight status was determined using NIDDK/CDC classification schemes.


RESULTS
Among participants with Class II obesity, 50.9% incorrectly classified their weight as overweight versus obese, whereas 49.1% accurately perceived their weight status as obese. Inaccurate participants reported significantly less binge eating and less eating disorder psychopathology. Despite similar BMI, inaccurate participants reported less distress regarding overeating and loss of control over eating.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that obesity status underestimation is associated with less eating disorder psychopathology. Underestimation of obesity status may exacerbate risk for negative health consequences because of a failure to recognize and respond to excess weight.
Jones
Megan
M
Department of Psychiatry, PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Redwood City, California, USA.
Grilo
Carlos M
CM
Masheb
Robin M
RM
White
Marney A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012649:Self Concept; D057566:Self Report; D017678:Sex Distribution; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires