What size is normal?

Nearly all obese people are in denial about their size.  What we perceive as a normal weight is changing and much larger sized people don't think they are overweight.  A whopping 90% of obese people don't think they have a weight problem because bigger sizes are becoming the new "normal".

One of the first studies carried out to examine perceptions of obesity has found that fewer than 10% of clinically obese people accept they have a serious weight problem.  The survey carried out by Cancer Research in 2012 examined 2,000 adults and found that only 11% of obese women accurately acknowledged they were obese.

Most of the women interviewed described themselves as either "very overweight" or "just right", Cancer Research said.  Men did even worse with just 7% correctly judging their own weight, and accepting they were obese.  16% of men questioned classified themselves as "very overweight".

To define a person's weight as underweight, normal, over weight, obese or morbidly obese, we use what's called the Body Mass Index (BMI), this is a calculation of the persons weight divided by the square of their height.  This is not an entirely accurate calculation as it does not take into account muscle mass or bone size.  For example, muscle weighs more than fat, so a person with a lot of muscle could be classed as over weight or obese using this calculation.  Other people have bigger bones and therefore this adds to their body weight.  But the BMI is an INDICATOR of whether a person is overweight or obese or even underweight.  It is down to the specialist to take into account a person's physical appearance when deciding if indeed they are overweight or not.

On the BMI scale a result between 30 and 39.9 classes a person as obese.  Researchers discovered that only 10% of the people taking part in the survey knew the BMI threshold for obesity.  However, those who knew the BMI threshold for obesity were more likely to define themselves as obese.

The problem with not accepting there is a weight problem means that the Experts fear, as bigger sizes become the new "normal", people are less likely to recognize the health problems associated with their weight.

Professor Jane Wardle, co-author of the study and director of the Cancer Research UK centre at University College London (UCL), said:

"It's a real worry that people don't recognize that their weight places them in the obese category.  It means they aren't aware they are at increased risk of a number of health problems including cancer.  This is despite increased media coverage of obesity, and public health campaigns aimed at improving public awareness."

She also added that the use of the word "obese" is often considered derogatory, which may be why so many people reject it.

"Mass media often illustrate obesity in a way that people find offensive, with pictures of bulging beer bellies and huge behinds, so people shy away from these images.  But we also asked people whether they felt they were 'very overweight' and the majority of those who were obese did not accept this term either.  This is a real problem, as it means they are unlikely to identify with health messages on the subject of weight.  We need to establish better ways for health professionals to address this sensitive subject and communicate with people whose health would benefit from positive lifestyle changes."

Obesity and being overweight is a very serious health risk.  About 18,000 cases of cancer in the UK each year are linked to being overweight or obese.  Weight related cancers include; breast cancer in post menopausal women, bowel cancer, womb cancer, cancer of the oesophagus, pancreatic cancer, cancer of the kidneys and gallbladder.

Dr. Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information, said:

"This study provides an interesting insight into how people who are overweight view themselves.  Carrying those extra pounds can have serious health implications.  Fat cells are active, releasing hormones and other chemicals that affect many parts of the body, and increase the risk of cancer.  Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of them most important ways of reducing the risk of cancer, for both men and women."

Unfortunately doctors and trainee doctors don't do much better at assessing a person's weight visually.  In a separate study in Liverpool, UK, researchers asked the participants (including doctors) who were shown photographs of male models and asked to categorize whether they were a healthy weight, overweight or obese according to World Health Organization Guidelines.  They found that the majority of people surveyed were unable to correctly identify the model's weight, instead they underestimated weight, often believing overweight men to be healthy.

In a related study which surveyed healthcare professionals, researchers discovered that GPs and trainee GPs were unable to visually identify if a person was overweight or obese.  This has important implications, the researchers think that increased exposure to overweight and obese people affected a person's ability to estimate the weight of a person.  In the case of healthcare professionals, this is very important as it may mean that overweight or obese people will not be offered weight management support or advice from their doctor.

More than half of the adult population in the EU are overweight or obese.  Action needs to be taken, by the individual and by healthcare professionals.

I can help you improve your health.  If you would like to make an appointment with me either in person or via Skype, just send me an email to lucycarr@socialnutrition.com