Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Misperception of Body Weight After Childhood Cancer
Fabiën N Belle1, Tomáš Sláma1, Eva Haegler-Laube2
1Childhood Cancer Research Group, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Pediatric Blood & Cancer
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) often misperceive their body weight, impacting health. Addressing this misperception, particularly in those with chronic conditions or after cranial radiation, is key for better weight management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Misperception of body weight negatively affects weight management in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).
- Both overweight and underweight status are linked to chronic health conditions in CCS, highlighting the need for accurate weight perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess agreement between measured body mass index (BMI) and self-perceived weight in adult CCS.
- To identify predictors of BMI underestimation and overestimation in this population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multicenter cohort study of 492 CCS (≥18 years, diagnosed <20 years, survived ≥5 years).
- Objective height and weight measurements, perceived weight assessment using pictorial images.
- Agreement evaluated using Cohen's Kappa; predictors analyzed via multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Moderate agreement (ĸ=0.46) between actual BMI and perceived weight status.
- Among overweight CCS, 37% underestimated their weight; 25% overestimated.
- Overestimation linked to former smoking, multiple chronic conditions, and cranial radiation.
Conclusions:
- Weight misperception is common in CCS and requires attention.
- Targeted interventions for CCS with chronic conditions and those who received cranial radiation are crucial for improving weight management strategies.
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