Body weight perception and weight loss practices among a group of Sri Lankan university students

Abstract

Background: The increasing trends in overweight and obesity is a public health issue globally. Self-perception of a person’s weight may influence the action taken by the individual in his/her weight management. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the association between self-perception of body weight, weight management practices and calculated body mass index (BMI) among a group of Sri Lankan university students. Method: A sample of 384 students was selected from the Eastern University, Sri Lanka by using a systematic sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire assessed the socio-demographic characters, weight management practices and perception of existing body weight. Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured and compared with Asian anthropometric cut-offs for BMI and WC. Chi-squire test was used to find out the association between selected variables and calculated BMI. Results: The response rate was 87.5%. Out of 336 participants, the percentages of those overweight, obese and underweight were 35.2%, 10.7% and 8.6% respectively. Two- thirds of overweight males and a third of overweight females considered themselves as ‘about right weight’ or ‘underweight’. In the obese subjects, 5.3% and 23.5% men and women respectively perceived themselves as ‘about right weight’. Over two thirds of all obese subjects perceived themselves as being overweight. Of those who perceived themselves as overweight or very overweight, 71.2% tried to lose their weight. In the perceived ‘normal weight category, 6.4% tried to lose weight. Conclusions: Body weight misperception was common among overweight and obese students. Among the perceived overweight or very overweight categories, two thirds attempted to lose their body weight. This study highlights the importance of self-awareness of body weight in maintaining a healthy body weight.