Abstract
Body weight perceptions are an important starting point for regulating weight and altering health habits as such life changes are not likely to succeed in overweight or obese individuals who lack proper body perceptions. Aim of study: To examine associations between self-perceived weight status, weight perception accuracy, and weight control behaviors among a population living in Saudi Arabia. An electronic questionnaire was administered to 334 participants Saudi Arabian residents ranging in age from 20 to 66 years during the COVID-19 lockdown period from April to July 2020. The questionnaire was comprised of three major sections regarding demographic characteristics, BMI classifications, body weight attitude, and attempts at body weight control. Statistical analysis was done using a Chi-square and T-test to compare differences between groups. A higher percentage of Saudi participants were overweight (86.8% versus 13.2%) or obese (83% versus 16.96%) versus other nationalities. A higher percentage of females were overweight (60.5% versus 39.5%) or obese (63.4% versus 36.6%) versus males. About 28.4% of normal weight individuals saw themselves as overweight, 40% of underweight persons saw themselves as normal weight, 79.5% of obese persons saw themselves as overweight, while 5.4% of obese and 15.5% of overweight individuals saw themselves as normal weight. Weight misperception was higher in females than males. About 79.8% of overweight, 85.7% of obese, and 45.5% of normal weight persons, female, tried to lose weight during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Inaccurate self-perception of body weight was commonly high across all age groups and gender (though slightly higher in females) during the COVID-19 lockdown period and could have a negative effect on the overall health of Saudi Arabians.