Correlates of over- or under-estimation of body size among resource-poor urban dwellers in a sub-Saharan African city

Abstract

Background

Individual perception of body size has implications for lifestyle behaviours including dietary habits and weight management practices.

Aim

To examine factors related to respondents’ estimation of their body sizes compared to their body mass index (BMI).

Subjects and methods

This cross-sectional survey comprised a sample of 917 adults in urban poor Accra, Ghana. Silhouette figure ratings were used to assess perceived body size and ideal body size at a community level. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine correlates of respondents overestimating or underestimating their body sizes.

Results

Approximately, 69% of respondents either underestimated or overestimated their body sizes. About a quarter of respondents perceived being overweight as the preferred ideal body size in their communities. The mean BMI of females and males who underestimated their body sizes were within the overweight category and normal weight category, respectively. Gender, educational level, employment status, the community of residence, and ethnicity were associated with how respondents correctly estimated, over- or under-estimated their body sizes. There was evidence of ethnicity mediating the association between the community of residence and body size estimation.

Conclusion

Weight management interventions must be mindful of the socio-demographic and cultural proclivities of the targeted populace for optimum impact.

Keywords:

• Body size
• body mass index
• estimation
• socio-demographics
• urban poor
• Ghana

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Regional Institute for Population Studies, University of Ghana, for permission to use Data from the Urban Health and Poverty Survey (UHPS).

Author contributions

Both authors, AKC and GAF played a significant role in the conceptualisation of this research. AKC conducted the initial analysis. The write-up of this paper was divided equally between AKC and GAF.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Funding for the Urban Health and Poverty project, the data source of this study, was provided by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation (Grant number: 2010-5305), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) (Grant number: 106548-001), and Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) (Grant number: 99987911).