Perception of Overall Health, Weight Status, and Gaining Weight in Relationship With Self-Reported BMI Among High School Students

Background: Correct perception of weight status and gaining weight are important motivational factors for physical activity among overweight and obese children. However, misperception is common. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess perceptions of overall health, weight status, and weight gain in relation to BMI among high school students. Methods: A face-to-face validated survey-based study was conducted among high school students. BMI was calculated based on the self-reported height and weight to compare with perceived weight status based on a question: “Do you consider yourself to be underweight, overweight, about right, or obese?" Participants were asked to rate their health and how much they worry about gaining weight. Descriptive and chi-square tests were used for analysis. The level of significance was 0.05. Results: The results of this study show female students are more likely to perceive themselves as overweight and worried about gaining weight compared to their male peers. The results also show that a low percentage of male and female students rate their overall health as poor with an overweight BMI. Conclusion: The results of this study provide the framework for understanding the differences in how male and female high school students perceive their health, weight status, and weight gain in relation to BMI. Inaccurate perception of one’s weight status increases the risk of being overweight/obese and decreases the likelihood that students will engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors.