Factors contributing to weight misperception in obese children presenting for intervention.
OBJECTIVE
To assess weight stigma, self-perception of weight status, and factors contributing to accurate self-perception of weight status in obese youth presenting for treatment at a hospital-based multidisciplinary weight management program.


METHODS
Participants (N = 97; mean age = 8.56 +/- 1.66 years) used a figural rating scale to assess weight stigma and their current and ideal body type, and Sizing Me Up, a measure of obesity-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL).


RESULTS
The majority endorsed negative/stereotypical attributes toward an obese body type, chose an average or underweight figure as their ideal, and 39% misperceived their weight status. Older child age and greater HRQOL impairment were significant predictors (P < .01) of correct self-perception.


CONCLUSIONS
Pediatricians may find that talking with the elementary school-aged patient and family about whether weight/size affects their day-to-day life will prove to be a salient and neutral opening to discussing the child's obesity and need for intervention.
Zeller
Meg H
MH
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH, USA. meg.zeller@cchmc.org
Ingerski
Lisa M
LM
Wilson
Lindsay
L
Modi
Avani C
AC
D017677:Age Distribution; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D012649:Self Concept; D013240:Stereotyping