Self‐Perception of Excess Body Weight and the Knowledge of Its Consequences for Health in Adult Females in Karaj, Iran

Recent research and studies have shown being overweight and obese, which both are prevalent among Iranian population, are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous literature showed misperception of body weight also is prevalent among overweight/obese people. To explore the self‐perception of body weight and of the consequences of excess weight for health and their intention to reduce weight, among overweight/obese non‐pregnant women over 18 in Karaj, Iran, before and after an intervention which is
introducing an accurate assessment of body weight [according to classes of Body Mass Index (BMI)] and sharing new data that even being overweight in associated with increased
morbidities and mortality. Thirty‐four adult woman aged over 18 who were overweight or obese were interviewed through convenience sampling. Self‐reported height and weight were
collected and self‐perception of body weight category and participants’ intention to follow a program to reduce weight were asked. During the interview, height and weight were
measured by interviewer, Body Mass Index was introduced and a presentation about association of being overweight/obese and increased risk of mortality and mortality was presented.