Absence of influence of actual and perceived body sizes on selfreported quality of life and physical activity behavior among an adult sample of Nigerians

Abstract

Discrepancy between the actual body mass index (BMI) categories and perceived body size/weight can lead to adverse weight management. Wrong perception of small body size may act as a barrier to physical activity (PA) behavior and could be detrimental toa healthy quality of life (QoL). Specifically, BMI, perceived body size/weight and their influences on PA level and QoL were studied among an adult sample of 357 participants (223 males and 134 females), aged 30-65 years who were resident in Nnewi, Anambra State of Nigeria. Socio-demographic
information was collected using a biodata form. BMI, perceived body size/weight, PA level and QoL were measured using standardized procedures. Most of the participants (64.4%) perceived their body size as normal. However, their BMI was predominantly normal weight (40.3%) and overweight (39.7%). PA level, PC score of QoL and MC score of QoL did not differ significantly (p>0.05) across BMI, perceived body weight, ideal body weight, perceived body weight and level of fatness categories. Whereas most of the participants perceived their body size and ideal body size as normal, their BMI was predominantly normal weight and overweight. PA level, PC score of QoL and MC score of QoL did not differ across BMI, perceived body size/weight perceived ideal body size as well asperceived level of fatness categories. Health education is required for overweight and obese individuals to understand the implications of their status as well as the importance of PA behavior as a health-promotion strategy.

Keywords: Perceived body size, physical activity,quality of life, actual body size, adults