UCSF

Objective

To describe weight misperception and to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on underestimation of weight status in Caucasian, Latino, Filipino, and Korean Americans.

Design

Data from 886 non-pregnant adults who participated in a cross-sectional survey administered in English, Spanish, and Korean were analyzed. The actual weight status derived from the participants' body mass index (BMI) categories and their perceived weight status were compared. A multiple logistic regression model was used to explore if underestimation of weight status was associated with ethnicity, sex, and education level.

Results

Caucasians, Latinos, Filipinos, and Koreans represented 19.4%, 26.8%, 27.4%, and 26.4%, respectively, of the total sample of 886. Overall, two in three participants correctly perceived their weight status, but 42% of Latinos underestimated their weight status and 22% of Koreans overestimated their weight status. Latino ethnicity, male, and low education (high school) were related to greater underestimation of weight status (P < .05). In contrast, Korean ethnicity was related to less underestimation of weight status (P < .05).

Conclusions

Misperception of weight status should be counted in any efforts to develop a weight management intervention for Latino and Korean Americans.