Study: Americans Likely to Underestimate How Much They Really Weigh
According to a study recently published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, a large percentage of Americans underestimate the amount of extra weight they're carrying. The study, which took place from 2008 to 2009, involved surveying participants about their weight at the time of the survey, as well as how much they weighed at the beginning of the previous year. The research shows that, on average, American adults gained weight in 2008. However, even though the average reported weights rose, participants who were polled typically thought they had lost weight in the past year. According to the study's lead author, Catherine Wetmore, these presumptions do play a role in the increase of our nation's obesity rate. "If people aren't in touch with their weight and changes in their weight over time, they might not be motivated to lose weight," said Wetmore.
See study here - http://www.healthmetricsandevaluation.org/publications/summaries/denial-misperceptions-weight-change-among-adults-united-states