Most Americans Don't Think They're Overweight, But Want to Lose Weight Anyway
Most Americans Don't Think They're Overweight, But Want to Lose Weight Anyway
Nov. 26, 2003 -- Before you get too comfortable at the buffet table this holiday season, you may want to take a second look at the scale. A new poll shows many Americans may be deluding themselves about their weight.
The Gallup survey found that although more than half of those surveyed were overweight according to their BMI (body mass index, a measurement of weight in relationship to height), only about 40% think of themselves that way.
The delusion doesn't stop there. The poll found that 37% of Americans would still be classified as overweight according to standard BMI charts even if they did lose weight and reach what they think would be their "ideal" weight, including 4% who would still be considered obese at their "ideal" weight.
The survey, based on telephone interviews with 1,007 adults across the U.S., was conducted November 3-5. Researchers used the heights and weights that the respondents reported to calculate their BMI. They found 55% of all Americans would be classified as either overweight (35%) or obese (20%).
According to standards, BMI scores of:
Researchers found that men were more likely than women to be classified as overweight and obese based on their BMI -- 68% of men compared with 43% of women.
Despite those numbers, just 41% of Americans overall said they were either "somewhat" (37%) or "very" (4%) overweight.
Even though fewer women were overweight than men, the poll shows women were much more motivated to lose weight than men. Despite the fact that two-thirds of men were considered overweight, only about half (51%) said they wanted to lose weight versus 68% of women who said they wanted to lose weight.
But good intentions aren't enough. Among the obese, who are most likely to suffer serious medical complications as a result of their weight, more than nine in 10 said they wanted to lose weight but only 45% were seriously trying to do so.
Americans in Denial About Their Weight
Poll Shows Most Don't Think They're Overweight, Even If They Are
Nov. 26, 2003 -- Before you get too comfortable at the buffet table this holiday season, you may want to take a second look at the scale. A new poll shows many Americans may be deluding themselves about their weight.
The Gallup survey found that although more than half of those surveyed were overweight according to their BMI (body mass index, a measurement of weight in relationship to height), only about 40% think of themselves that way.
The delusion doesn't stop there. The poll found that 37% of Americans would still be classified as overweight according to standard BMI charts even if they did lose weight and reach what they think would be their "ideal" weight, including 4% who would still be considered obese at their "ideal" weight.
Americans Kidding Themselves About Their Weight
The survey, based on telephone interviews with 1,007 adults across the U.S., was conducted November 3-5. Researchers used the heights and weights that the respondents reported to calculate their BMI. They found 55% of all Americans would be classified as either overweight (35%) or obese (20%).
According to standards, BMI scores of:
- Less than 18.5 are considered underweight
- 18.5 to 24.9 are considered normal
- 25 to 29.9 suggest the person is overweight
- 30 or higher suggest the person is obese
Researchers found that men were more likely than women to be classified as overweight and obese based on their BMI -- 68% of men compared with 43% of women.
Despite those numbers, just 41% of Americans overall said they were either "somewhat" (37%) or "very" (4%) overweight.
Good Intentions Not Enough to Lose Weight
Even though fewer women were overweight than men, the poll shows women were much more motivated to lose weight than men. Despite the fact that two-thirds of men were considered overweight, only about half (51%) said they wanted to lose weight versus 68% of women who said they wanted to lose weight.
But good intentions aren't enough. Among the obese, who are most likely to suffer serious medical complications as a result of their weight, more than nine in 10 said they wanted to lose weight but only 45% were seriously trying to do so.
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