Body size estimation in obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Human Physiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Previous studies on body size estimation in obesity yield inconsistent results.
• These discrepancies may stem from variations in tasks assessing different body representations (implicit and explicit).

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze research on body size estimation in individuals with obesity versus healthy weight controls.
• To clarify discordant findings by classifying studies based on the body representation (implicit, explicit, or both) they employed.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies from PubMed and Web of Science databases, with additional records from reference lists.
• Data extraction was performed by two independent authors according to predefined criteria.
• Searches were last conducted in May 2021.

Main Results:

• Both groups (obesity and healthy weight) showed overestimation or underestimation of implicit body representation, varying by task and body part.
• Explicit body representation was primarily overestimated by both groups.
• Individuals with obesity were significantly less accurate in body size estimations than healthy weight participants.

Conclusions:

• Heterogeneous findings in body size estimation research in obesity are attributable to the use of different tasks engaging distinct body representations.
• Altered somatosensation and body dissatisfaction may contribute to the reduced accuracy observed in individuals with obesity.