Publication: Body weight perception and weight control behaviours among adults attending outpatient clinic at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia
Date
2019-06
Authors
Huong, Ling Tieng
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Abstract
Body weight perception is the way an individual perceives his or her own body in relation to the weight status. Studies on body weight perception were mostly conducted among adolescents, college and university students in Malaysia, while scarce studies conducted among adults. This study aimed to determine the body weight perception and its association with current weight control behaviours among adults attending Outpatient Clinic at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. It was a cross-sectional study involving a total of 210 adults who attended Outpatient Clinic at Hospital USM. A proforma and a validated questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic characteristics, body weight perception and weight control behaviours. Weight and height were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Descriptive analysis, pearson chi-square and independent !-test were used to answer all the objectives. The prevalence of overweight and obesity of participants was 55.7% while there were 63.8% of them perceived themselves as being ovetweight/obest. Majority (73.8%) had accurately perceived their body weight. In terms of weight control behaviours, exercise and dieting were the most frequent methods used to lose weight. There was significant association found between body weight perception and current weight control behaviours (p<O.OO I). BMI category was also found significantly associated with accuratt body weight perception (p<O.OO I). Other factor such as socio-demographic factors was not associated with accurate body weight perception. Effective health-related interventions could be developed for adult population in order to increase self-awareness of their weight status. There is also a need to take body weight perception into consideration when promoting obesity prevention and weight reduction.
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Keywords
Body weight perception , weight control behaviours