Body size perception of African women (25-44 years) in Manguang

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to gain insight into the body size perception of African women in the Mangaung area of the Central Free State. A representative sample of 500 African women (age groups 25-34 years and 35-44 years) was randomly selected to participate. The sample was subjected to anthropometrical measurements, and body size perception was determined by having the subjects respond to a series of photographs representing five body mass index categories. More than fifty percent of the target population had a body mass index above 25 kilograms per square metre (kg/m²). Almost one third of the respondents viewed the overweight body as healthiest, and obese people were also considered to be wealthier. Although the African women considered obesity to be healthy, it was often not seen as attractive.

Key words: body size perception, African woman, health, weight, attractiveness