Comparing apples and pears: women's perceptions of their body size and shape.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obesity is a growing public health problem among reproductive-aged women, with consequences for chronic disease risk and reproductive and obstetric morbidities. Evidence also suggests that body shape (i.e., regional fat distribution) may be independently associated with risk, yet it is not known if women adequately perceive their shape. This study aimed to assess the validity of self-reported body size and shape figure drawings when compared to anthropometric measures among reproductive-aged women.

Methods

Self-reported body size was ascertained using the Stunkard nine-level figures and self-reported body shape using stylized pear, hourglass, rectangle, and apple figures. Anthropometry was performed by trained researchers. Body size and body mass index (BMI) were

SUBMITTER: Thoma ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3466911 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature