ABSTRACT

Background: Many developing countries today are seeing an increased prevalence of weight related problems including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, Type 2 Diabetes, Heart diseases, Osteoarthritis etc. This is predicted to increase in the coming years. Many researchers have reported that misperception of an individual's body weight leads to inappropriate weight management behaviors. There is increasing interest in understanding the effect of body weight perceptions on an individual’s weight management strategies as well as eating behaviours in the world. To generate a statistic for further research to be done in Nigeria, this study evaluated the relationship between self-perception of body weight and use of weight loss approaches by the University of Benin female undergraduate students.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between self-perception of body weight and use of weight loss approaches by the University of Benin female undergraduate students.

Method: A total of 411 university of Benin female undergraduate students participated in this cross-sectional study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on participants socio-demographics, self-reported measurements, weight changing practices, social media use and reasons for weight concern. Height was measured with a tape to the nearest 0.1cm. Weight was measured to the nearest 0.5kg using a calibrated weighing scale.  The Body Shape Questionnaire (8C) was used to assess body shape concerns. The Eating Attitude (EAT-26) Questionnaire was used to assess for risk of eating disorders. Pulver’s figure rating scale was used to give a pictorial representation of participants perceived figure, ideal figure and what they deemed society’s ideal figure. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.