Self-perception of body weight status in older Dutch adults

• Published in: The Journal of nutrition, health & aging health & aging, 2015-06, Vol.19 (6), p.612-618
• Main Authors: Monteagudo Sánchez, Celia, Dijkstra, S. C., Visser, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; body image; Body Image - psychology; Body Mass Index; Body Weight; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Geriatrics/Gerontology; Health Education; Health Status; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; misperception; Netherlands - epidemiology; Neurosciences; Nutrition; Näringslära; Obesity; Obesity - epidemiology; Obesity - psychology; Older people; Overweight - psychology; Personal Satisfaction; Prevalence; Primary Care Medicine; Quality of Life Research; Self Concept; Self image; weight satisfaction
• ISSN: 1279-7707; 1760-4788; 1760-4788
• DOI: 10.1007/s12603-015-0486-z

Introduction: Objectives The prevalence of obesity is highest in older persons and a correct self-perception of body weight status is necessary for optimal weight control. The aim of this study was to determine self-perception of, and satisfaction with, body weight status, and to compare current versus ideal body image in a large, nationally representative sample of older people. Furthermore, determinants of misperception were explored. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting The Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA), conducted in a population-based sample in the Netherlands. Participants 1295 men and women aged 60–96 years. Measurements Body weight status was assessed using measured weight and height. Self-perceived body weight status, satisfaction with body weight and current and ideal body image were also assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of age, educational level and objectively measured BMI with underestimation of body weight status. Results The prevalence of obesity was 19.9% in men and 29.3% in women. The agreement between objective and self-perceived body weight status was low (Kappa < 0.2). Among overweight and obese persons, 42.1% of men and 44.1% of women were (very) dissatisfied with their body weight status and >99% of obese participants desired to be thinner (ideal body image < current image). Only 4.4% of obese men and 12.3% of obese women perceived their body weight status correctly. Higher age (women), lower educational level (men) and higher BMI (all) were associated with greater underestimation of body weight status. Conclusion Many older persons misperceive their body weight status. Future actions to improve body weight perception in older persons are necessary to increase the impact of public health campaigns focussing on a healthy body weight in old age.