Discrepancy between Current, Desired, and Ideal Body Mass Index in Persons with Obesity: A Swedish Population-Based...

Body weight dissatisfaction, when current and desired body mass index (BMI) do not align, is common in persons with obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore factors associated with the differences between current and desired BMI, and ideal BMI (defined in the present study as BMI 25 kg/m2), in persons with obesity.

Swedish citizens aged 20-64 years residing in the Stockholm County were randomly selected from the population register at five different and evenly separated occasions in the study period 1998-2000 and invited to provide self-reported data about their current weight, height, desired weight, and other characteristics such as depressive symptoms and alcohol intake. Among the 10,441 participants with a mean BMI of 24 kg/m2, differences between desired BMI and ideal BMI were calculated to determine the discrepancy between desired BMI and ideal BMI in participants with obesity (n = 808). The discrepancy between current and desired BMI was also determined. Using linear regression, factors associated with BMI discrepancies were determined.

Persons with BMI <40 kg/m2 desired a lower BMI than those with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (26 ± 3 vs. 36 ± 14 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Women with obesity (n = 425) had a larger discrepancy between current and desired BMI, 32% ± 16, than men with obesity (n = 380), 24% ± 21 (p < 0.001). Persons with obesity and major depression had a 6.9% (95% CI: 2.5-11.4) larger discrepancy between current and desired BMI than persons with obesity but without major depression. Being born abroad, having a university degree, or hazardous alcohol use were not associated with discrepancy between current and desired BMI or desired BMI and ideal BMI (all p > 0.05).

Desired BMI and discrepancies between current, desired, and ideal BMI vary according to current BMI, sex, and presence of major depression. This underscores the significance of a patient-centered approach in the management of obesity, where the goals and needs of each patient should be considered.