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Don't Be Blind to Obesity
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While mirrors and scales don't lie, many people fib to themselves about their weight, having a hard time accepting that they're obese, say researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
In a study of more than 2,000 obese adults, almost one in 10 thought their body was smaller (and healthier) than their reality. Unfortunately, 35 percent of the men and women had high blood pressure, 15 percent had high cholesterol, 14 percent had diabetes, and 27 percent were smokers.
What’s more, the obese who were oblivious to their size were also less likely to go to a physician. Forty-four percent said they hadn’t visited a doctor in the past year, compared with 26 percent of those without body misperceptions.
“A cause may be cultural beliefs and acceptance of obesity as the norm when most around you are obese,” said study author Tiffany Powell, M.D. “I think as obesity becomes more prevalent and people around you are larger, you reset what's acceptable.”
The most tragic finding: Obese people who were satisfied with their body size didn’t exercise (on average), while others who recognized they had a weight problem regularly hit the gym.
To gain a better understanding of your body, calculate your body mass index (BMI). If your score is 30 or greater, you’re obese. Note that BMI doesn’t take muscle mass into account, so this scale isn’t necessarily accurate for serious weightlifters and some athletes.
While you can use BMI to get a general understanding of your current health, it's important to realize that being healthy isn't just about body size.
About The Author
David Schipper – David began writing for CorePerformance.com in 2008, after spending six years at Men's Health magazine digging up the newest scientific research in health, weight loss, nutrition, muscle and cardiovascular fitness.
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