Perception of body image as indicator of weight status in the European Union

Objective To identify the factors associated with an adequate perception of body image in relation to body weight. Material and methods An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted in a representative sample of the European Union (7155 men and 8077 women). Body Mass Index (BMI) was grouped into four categories, perceived body ima ge was assessed using the nine silhouettes drawing: scheme. A multivariable logistic regression model for each sex: was used to adjust for potentially confounding variables. Results Underweight men and women classified themselves better than other g roups (92.9% of correct answers among men and 79.3% among women). Overall, women classified themselves better than men (57.6% vs. 32.7%). Discussion Perceived body image as a method of assessment for body weight h as different validity depending on sociodemographic or attitudinal categori es. Perceived body image as an estimate of the nutritional status has a lim ited individualized application. Thus, perhaps it could be applied as a pro xy measure of adiposity among slim males and among slim and overweight fema les, but not among the other groups.