Prevalence and Factors Affecting Body Shape Misperception among Korean Adult Women

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to investigate the prevalence and factors affecting body shape misperception among Korean adult women.

Methods: We analyzed raw data from the fourth Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families, for 7,658 women over 20 years of age. For the multiple logistic regression model, the dependent variable was existence of misperception (yes/no).

Results: The prevalence of body shape misperception was 42.6% (overestimation 6.5%, underestimation 36.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, education level, marital status, economic status and BMI were significantly associated with body shape underestimation. Education level and BMI were significantly associated with body shape overestimation.

Conclusion: An effective obesity intervention program for women must reflect and monitor body shape perception as well as BMI.

Keywords: Body mass index; Weight perception; Women.