Do Measures of Psychological Resilience Vary With Self-Perceived Body Weight Status?

• Published in: Journal of nutrition education and behavior 2024-08, Vol.56 (8), p.S7-S7
• Main Authors: Alme, Jason, Morrell, Jesse Stabile
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1499-4046; 1878-2620
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.05.019

Research suggests underestimation of body weight may be associated with beneficial psychological resilience against consequences of obesity, compared with accurate perception. Less is known about the comparison between those who underestimate versus those who overestimate their body weight. To investigate differences in life satisfaction, social/emotional support, and weight change intentions between those who underestimate vs overestimate vs accurately perceive their body weight. Data were collected between 2008-2023 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, a cross-sectional study of undergraduates, ages 18-24 years. After exclusions for missing data, the final sample (n=8203) was 93.9% white, 69.3% female, and had a mean age of 18.9±1.1. Weight self-perception, weight change intent, life satisfaction, and social/emotional support, were measured via online survey. BMI (kg/m2) was calculated via height and weight measured by technicians, then compared with weight self-perception to determine self-perception accuracy. Chi-square analysis was used to evaluate differences between self-perception accuracy categories. About two-thirds (68.9%) perceived their weight category accurately, while one-third (31.1%) misperceived, with 19.5% underestimating and 11.6% overestimating. Women were more likely to overestimate (14.7% vs. 4.6%, p