Subjective Weight Perception in Normal-Weight Adults - Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1)

This study investigates the prevalence and socio-demographic distribution of subjective weight perceptions in 2,552 subjects aged 1879 years with normal weight (according to the WHO classification) who took part in the nationally representative DEGS1 study of the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin. In total, barely half of normal-weight adults-both men and women considered themselves "a little/much too thick" or "a little/much too thin" (discordant weight perception). Normal-weight women assessed themselves predominantly as too thick (38,6 %; 95 % CI: 35,7-41,6). A quarter of normal-weight men assessed themselves as too thin, whereas another fifth of normal-weight men considered themselves too thick. The proportion of discordant weight perceptions declined with rising age. In multivariate assessment, socio-economic status was no significant predictor. Results are discussed in reference to potential implications for prevention programs.