Yolanda Hendley|Liping Zhao|Dorothy Coverson|Rebecca Din?Dzietham|Alanna A. Morris|Arshed A. Quyyumi|Gary H. Gibbons|Viola Vaccarino
Differences in Weight Perception Among Blacks and Whites
Emory University|Emory University|Morehouse School of Medicine|Morehouse School of Medicine|Emory University|Emory University|Morehouse School of Medicine|Emory University
background prevalence obesity higher blacks whites especially black women known associated major cardiovascular disease risk factors also prevalent blacks whites weight perception may contribute differences blacks likely underestimate weight explored race gender differences underestimation weight using body mass index bmi waist circumference wc adjusting cardiovascular risk factors methods results studied 219 white 240 black women men part metahealth study perceived weight assessed phone categorized three categories underweight normal weight overweight obesity height weight wc measured subsequent visit bmi calculated logistic regression used compare likelihood underestimating actual weight category race adjusting sociodemographic lifestyle factors medical history multivariate analysis odds underestimating bmi category greater threefold blacks compared whites 31 95 ci 1948 larger black women black men p001 interaction abdominal adiposity taken account utilizing wc measure weight observed difference weight underestimation remained conclusion data reveal significant misperception weight among blacks particularly black women highest burden obesity multifaceted approach efficient identification social cultural environmental factors give rise obesity tolerance blacks provide potential targets intervention may ameliorate weight misperception prevalence excess weight black population