title: [Subjective Weight Perception in Normal-Weight Adults - Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)].
abstract: This study investigates the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of subjective weight perceptions in 2,552 subjects aged 18-79 years with normal weight (according to the WHO classification) who took part in the nationally representative DEGS1 study of the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin. In total, barely half of normal-weight adults-both men and women- considered themselves "a little/much too thick" or "a little/much too thin" (discordant weight perception). Normal-weight women assessed themselves predominantly as too thick (38,6%; 95% CI: 35,7-41,6). A quarter of normal-weight men assessed themselves as too thin, whereas another fifth of normal-weight men considered themselves too thick. The proportion of discordant weight perceptions declined with rising age. In multivariate assessment, socio-economic status was no significant predictor. Results are discussed in reference to potential implications for prevention programs.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsberichterstattung, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin.
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Griger
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsberichterstattung, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin.
authors.forename: Heike
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hölling
authors.affiliation: Abteilung Epidemiologie und Gesundheitsberichterstattung, Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schlack
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult