Accuracy, determinants, and consequences of body weight self-perception in type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study☆

Abstract 

Objective

To assess the accuracy, determinants, and consequences of body weight self-perception in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We studied 1272 community-based patients and a 518-patient overweight/obese subset who returned for ≥4 annual reviews. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify baseline predictors of correct weight self-perception and to determine whether correct weight self-perception predicted future weight loss. Overweight and obesity were defined as body mass indices of 25.0–29.9 and ≥30.0 kg/m², respectively.

Results

Of the patients who were overweight (40.0%) or obese (41.8%) at baseline, 52.8% and 83.7%, respectively, correctly self-identified their weight category. Overweight/obese participants who self-identified correctly were more likely to have been informed they were overweight (P<.001), predominantly by their general practitioner (80.1%). Overweight participants had less self-awareness if they were not abdominally obese, did not speak English fluently, were male, or had a low income. Obese participants were more likely to consider themselves overweight if they had better diabetes knowledge and higher educational attainment. Correct weight self-perception did not influence subsequent weight loss.

Conclusions

Health care professionals can facilitate body weight self-awareness in type 2 diabetes. Education programmes should recognise the impact of gender and socio-demographic variables on accurate weight self-perception.

Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Body weight, Overweight, Obesity, Self-perception