According to a report in the journal Scientific Reports, many people incorrectly estimate their own body mass index (BMI) and body size.
The findings were determined after a team of experts evaluated 744 Polish adult participants.
To assess body size perception and body dissatisfaction, the Stunkards’ Figure Rating Scale was used.
Upon assessing both factors, it was found that the vast majority of the participants, or about 63 percent, had correctly estimated their own BMI, while roughly 49 percent did so regarding their body size.
“Our study showed, that a large percentage of adults underestimate their own weight status and body size,” the journal report states.
“The perception was assessed separately using two methods, and both confirmed a tendency for underestimation regardless of the BMI category of weight status assessed by the WHO criteria.”
The results determined that the male gender was more closely related to a frequent underestimation of body weight and size.
“Further studies research should be carried out on the impact of psychotherapy on changes in perception of weight status and body size and in consequence on the effectiveness of obesity treatment,” the report also states.
