title: Prevalence of overweight and obesity and weight loss practice among Beijing adults, 2011.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aims to determine the up-to-date prevalence of overweight and obesity, the distributions of body weight perception and weight loss practice in Beijing adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011. A total of 2563 men and 4088 women aged 18-79 years from the general population were included. Data were obtained from questionnaire and physical examination.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of overweight (BMI 24-27.9 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2)) was 42.1% and 20.3% in men and 35.6% and 17.1% in women, respectively. Age was inversely associated with overweight in both sexes, and obesity in women. Education level was negatively associated with overweight and obesity in women but not in men. Only 49.1% men and 58.3% women had a correct perception of their body weight. Underestimation of body weight was more common than overestimation, especially in men, the older people, and those with low education level. The percentage of taking action to lose weight was inversely associated with men and old age, and positively associated with higher education level, higher BMI, and self-perception as "fat" (OR = 3.78 in men, OR = 2.91 in women). Only 26.1% of overweight/obese individuals took action to lose weight. The top two weight loss practices were to reduce the amount of food intake and exercise.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Overweight and obesity were highly prevalent with high incorrect body weight perceptions in the general adult population in Beijing. Weight loss practice was poor in overweight and obese individuals. Actions at multiple levels are needed to slow or control this overweight and obesity epidemic.
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Li
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: Chaoyang District Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoyan
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Chaoyang District Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Zhi
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Qi
authors.affiliation: Chaoyang District Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Zhe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Yumei
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Peiyu
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, School of Public Health, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Aiping
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D062486:Public Health Surveillance; D012649:Self Concept; D055815:Young Adult