Is it possible to be overweight and not know it? Is perception reality? Can you lie to yourself about your weight and believe it? In my opinion (and experience), the answer to all three questions is yes---up to a point. A better question would probably be, “how long can you really deceive yourself about your weight?”
The “perception of body weight” question was the target for researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. From their research, they reported that nearly 25 percent of overweight and 16 percent of normal weight reproductive-age women misperceive their body weight. This is the first study to examine reproductive-age women's weight-related behaviors associated with self-perception of weight.
It is interesting to me that 16 percent of the normal weight women perceived themselves to be overweight. That is a problem that I will discuss in a future article.
Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, assistant professor at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women's Health stated, "What we found reflects the 'fattening' of America. As obesity numbers climb, many women identify overweight as normal, not based on the scale but on how they view themselves."
The study analyzed more than 2,200 women 18-25 years old based on survey questions pertaining to sociodemographic variables, height, weight, weight perceptions and weight-related behaviors. Women with body mass indexes (BMIs) below 25 were considered normal weight and those with BMIs of 25 or more were considered overweight. Overall, 52 percent of the study participants were considered overweight or obese.
According to the research, overweight and obese Hispanic and African American women are significantly more likely than white women to misjudge their weight, categorizing themselves as normal. The researchers also found that overweight women who perceive themselves as normal weight were significantly less likely to report weight-related behaviors, such as dieting.
I realize that you can take numbers and make them say what you want. In my profession, we work to help solve the weight issues of the overweight and obese.
I agree that the “fattening of America” is part of the problem. As people, we tend to compare ourselves with other people. As more and more people become overweight or obese, it can seem “normal” to many.
Here are my tips on what you should do:
1. Get a health professional to check your body fat percentage and record your weight. Body fat percentage is a more accurate measurement than BMI because it tells you where you are fat. Belly fat is particularly threatening to your health.
Body mass index uses your height and body weight to measure your fatness. This method has some limitations because it doesn't consider your body type (slim, muscular, etc.). For example, a fit person with high muscle mass will tend to have a higher BMI which suggests that the person is overfat. This person could actually be fit and healthy with low risk for fat-related diseases.
2. You need an individualized exercise and nutrition plan based on the weight loss and fat loss goals you need to achieve. A personal trainer can help you with this, if needed.
3. Pictures don’t lie. There is no need to compare your body with another woman’s body. Periodically take pictures of yourself to compare the newer you to the older you. You set the standard for the body you want. This way, “the fattening of America” won’t ever be normal to you.
4. If you are in denial about being overweight or obese, now is the time to be honest with yourself. You don’t have to wait until January to start getting fit. What will be different in January that you can’t do now?
It is not normal to be overweight or obese. We must reverse these harmful trends one person at a time. It starts with me and you.
Mark Dilworth, BA, PES, CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer and former NCAA Division I athlete. Mark is the owner of My Fitness Hut, Her Fitness Hut, Sports Fitness Hut and My Nutrition Hut. Mark’s Fat Blaster Athletic Training System has been proven to give his clients the fit, sculpted and athletic-type bodies they want. Visit Mark’s main site:
Your Fitness University http://yourfitnessuniversity.com