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How Does Inaccurate Perception of Weight Compared to Actual BMI Status Affect the Diet Score of College Students?
Author(s) -
Querido Jaclyn,
Morrell Jesse
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.29.1_supplement.lb315
Subject(s) - underweight , overweight , affect (linguistics) , perception , weight loss , weight gain , psychology , obesity , medicine , body weight , gerontology , demography , communication , neuroscience , sociology
As self‐perception of health can influence behavior, accurate understanding of weight status may be important for making healthy choices. This study examined the relationship between the accuracy of college students' weight perception, as well as their weight status intentions, to the quality of their diet. Students (n=1330), ages 18‐24, were recruited from the ongoing College Health & Nutrition Assessment Survey at UNH. Perception accuracy was determined by comparing students' self‐identified weight status (overweight, underweight, about right) to their measured BMI. Weight status intentions were evaluated via responses to “What are you trying to do with your weight?” Three day food records evaluated nutrient intake; diet quality was scored via 4‐items. Each item was scored 1‐5; final diet scores ranged 4‐20 with higher scores indicative of a more healthy diet. One‐third of men and one‐quarter of women incorrectly identified their weight status. No significant relationship between weight perception and diet score was seen. No significant differences with men's weight perception and goals were seen; women trying to lose or gain weight had significantly more accurate weight perception than those trying to maintain or do nothing. Men trying to lose weight had significantly lower diet scores than those trying to maintain or gain weight (11.2±3.2 vs. 12.1±3.2 and 12.6±3.2, p<.05). Women trying to lose weight had significantly lower diet scores than those trying to maintain or do nothing (11.7±3.2 vs. 12.5±3.5 and 12.6±3.3, p<.05). Findings suggest that attempts to alter weight may lead to decreased diet scores.