Do you have a weight problem? A new study from the University of Texas reveals that 25% of obese women don't think so. As populations grow heavier, more women are viewing their weight as 'normal.'
Published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, the research surveyed over 2,200 American women aged 18-25 about their weight and self-perception. Half had a BMI over 25, classifying them as overweight.
Denying Obesity
A quarter of overweight respondents denied their obesity, claiming they weighed too little or normally. Meanwhile, one in six normal-weight women viewed themselves as too fat and overweight.
This distorted self-image, the researchers note, has serious downsides: those who underestimate their weight are less likely to diet or monitor their eating habits. They recommend that doctors calculate every patient's BMI to provide an accurate health assessment.
