Weight Perception, Weight Accuracy and Its Relationship to Family History of Chronic Disease

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Date

2011-06

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The Ohio State University

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Abstract

Obesity is a major public health concern which results in many chronic diseases. The potential for family history to promote obesity and chronic disease requires investigation. The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of self reported weight and the relationship of family history of chronic disease with weight accuracy. We examined self-reported weight and measured weight in adults 20-55 years old from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Accuracy of weight was determined using 5% of self-reported weight to measured weight. Family history of diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension was determined based on self-report. There was a significant direct correlation between self-reported weight and actual weight (R=0.977, P<0.001). Overall, 78% reported their weight within 5% of actual weight. Males and Non-Hispanic Blacks were significantly more likely to overestimate their weight. Females were more likely to underestimate their weight, while Non-Hispanic Whites were less likely to underestimate their weight. Adults with a family history of diabetes were significantly more likely to underestimate their weight. No other differences existed for other diseases. While accuracy of weight was strong the presence of a family history of chronic disease did not relate to greater awareness of weight status.

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Weight Perception, Obesity, Public Health

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