People Are More Likely to Be Overweight and Less Likely to Be Aware That They Are

Being clinically overweight (body-mass index, 25–30 kg/m²) or obese (BMI, >30) has negative health implications. Patients, however, might not have clear perceptions of what is meant by “overweight” and “obese.” Using results from surveys conducted in 1999 and 2007, British investigators evaluated changes in public perceptions of overweight and obesity; approximately 1800 men and women participated in each survey.

Participants reported their height, weight, and perceived body size (i.e., “very underweight” to “obese”). In 1999, 43% of participants were overweight or obese as assessed by BMI; 81% of them correctly described themselves as overweight, very overweight, or obese. In 2007, 53% were overweight or obese; however, only 75% of them des…