Research Plus

Obese perceptions

UK adults’ perception of being overweight has fallen despite a dramatic rise in average body weight and health campaigns to address obesity. The findings are based on two omnibus surveys: 1,894 interviews in 1999; and 1,998 in 2007. In 1999, 43% of the population were overweight/obese, of whom 81% perceived themselves to be overweight. But in 2007, 53% were overweight/obese, with only 75% considering themselves as overweight. The statistically significant decline in overweight ‘self-diagnosis’ highlights the importance of heath professionals making individuals aware of their overweight and obesity.

British Medical Journal 2008; online first: doi:10.1136/bmj.a494.  http://www.bmj.com/content/337/bmj.a494.abstract

Tags evidence based practice obesity

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2008 (vol. 05/2) pp38