Body Size Perceptions Associated with Body Mass Index and Weight Loss Intentions Among Two Immigrant Populations

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Health Disparities

Background:

• Obesity rates increase with duration of residency among immigrant populations in the USA.
• This study investigates weight self-perception and body image discrepancy in Hispanic and Somali immigrant adults.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing health disparities in immigrant communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine weight self-perception and body image discrepancy in a diverse immigrant sample.
• To assess the relationship between perceived and actual weight status.
• To identify predictors of weight loss intentions among Hispanic and Somali immigrants.

Main Methods:

• A community-based participatory research approach was used to survey 1256 Hispanic and Somali adults in Southeast Minnesota.
• Data included actual body mass index (BMI), perceived weight category, and perceived body size.
• Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests to assess associations.

Main Results:

• High prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in both Hispanic (81%) and Somali (50%) cohorts.
• Participants with BMI > 25 were more likely to perceive their body size as overweight/obese (79%) than their weight category (48%).
• Body image discrepancy, not actual BMI, predicted weight loss intentions for both groups; perceived body size and category predicted intentions for Hispanic participants only.

Conclusions:

• Perceived body size is a more accurate self-reported proxy for BMI-defined weight status than perceived weight category in Hispanic and Somali immigrants.
• Body image discrepancy may be a stronger predictor of weight loss intentions than actual BMI in these populations.
• Findings highlight the importance of considering subjective perceptions in weight management interventions for immigrant groups.