Americans in Denial About Their Weight

Poll shows most don't think they're overweight, even if they are

Nov. 26, 2003 -- Before you get too comfortable at the buffet table this holiday season, you may want to take a second look at the scale. A new poll shows many Americans may be deluding themselves about their weight.

• BMI questions? Drop by our Exercise & Fitness message board for answers
• You can evolve into a healthier, fitter you!
• Body contouring after a big weight loss: A little waiting before surgery is advised

The Gallup survey found that although more than half of those surveyed were overweight according to their BMI (body mass index, a measurement of weight in relationship to height), only about 40% think of themselves that way.

The delusion doesn't stop there. The poll found that 37% of Americans would still be classified as overweight according to standard BMI charts even if they did lose weight and reach what they think would be their "ideal" weight, including 4% who would still be considered obese at their "ideal" weight.

Americans Kidding Themselves About Their Weight

The survey, based on telephone interviews with 1,007 adults across the U.S., was conducted November 3-5. Researchers used the heights and weights that the respondents reported to calculate their BMI. They found 55% of all Americans would be classified as either overweight (35%) or obese (20%).

According to standards, BMI scores of:

• Less than 18.5 are considered underweight
• 18.5 to 24.9 are considered normal
• 25 to 29.9 suggest the person is overweight
• 30 or higher suggest the person is obese

Researchers found that men were more likely than women to be classified as overweight and obese based on their BMI -- 68% of men compared with 43% of women.

Despite those numbers, just 41% of Americans overall said they were either "somewhat" (37%) or "very" (4%) overweight.

Good Intentions Not Enough to Lose Weight

Even though fewer women were overweight than men, the poll shows women were much more motivated to lose weight than men. Despite the fact that two-thirds of men were considered overweight, only about half (51%) said they wanted to lose weight versus 68% of women who said they wanted to lose weight.

But good intentions aren't enough. Among the obese, who are most likely to suffer serious medical complications as a result of their weight, more than nine in 10 said they wanted to lose weight but only 45% were seriously trying to do so.

The same held true for overweight adults; only about half of those who said they wanted to lose weight actually were trying to do so.

With so many people wanting to lose weight, researchers say it's not surprising that about two-thirds of Americans said their ideal weight is below their actual weight. On average, men reported an ideal weight that was 14 pounds lower than their actual weight, and women reported an ideal weight almost 19 pounds lower then their current weight.

However, according to the BMI charts, researchers found that 54% of those who are overweight, but not obese, would still be overweight if they reached their ideal weight, and three-quarters of currently obese people would still be overweight if they reached their ideal weight.

Although those numbers are discouraging, researchers warn that BMI isn't everything when it comes to measuring a healthy weight. BMI is a more accurate indicator of overweight and obesity than relying on weight alone, but the National Institutes of Health cautions that BMI does not directly measure body fat.

For example, some very muscular people may fall into the overweight category when they are actually healthy and fit. In addition, some people who have lost muscle mass, such as the elderly, may be in the healthy weight category when they are actually underweight with reduced nutritional reserves.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD.

SOURCES: Gallup Survey, conducted Nov. 3-5, 2003. News release, Gallup Organization.

^ back to top