Body image perception in Portuguese obese adults

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The overweight population people tend to be concerned with their body size, without a realistic idea about it on a self evaluation. In this study we analyze the body image perception in overweight patients.METHODS: The study was conducted in a central university hospital outpatient clinic. A sample of 450 overweight patients (379 women and 71 men) with a mean age of 42 (SD 14) years was evaluated. Images containing male and female silhouettes were shown to the patients to self evaluate the corresponding image according to their current weight, self-perceived image, self-desired image and desired image of the opposite sex. RESULTS: For both genders, the self-perceived image was different (thinner) from the current weight real image; the desired image was different (thinner) from the desired weight real image; the desired weight real image was different (more obese) from the reference weight real image; and the self desired image was different (thinner) from the reference weight image (p<0.001 for all). For women, the desired image of the opposite sex was different (thinner) from their self-desired image (p<0.001) but this difference was not significant for men. The self-desired image indicated by women was different (more obese) from the desired image of the opposite sex indicated by men (p<0.001) and the self-desired image indicated by men was different (more obese) from the desired image of the opposite sex indicated by women (p=0.012). DISCUSSION: Results reveal distorted perceptions on body image for both men and women, which may reflect unrealistic expectations. Repercussions on treatment are discussed.