Factors associated with self-assessment of body weight in women who work out at fitness centers.

Abstract

This study analyzed factors associated with self-assessment of body weight (SABW) among women who engage in physical exercises at fitness centers. Data collection was conducted at the largest fitness centers in the city of Presidente Prudente, SP, Brazil, with a sample of 200 women with a mean age of 25.5±9.7 years. A questionnaire with responses on a Likert scale was used to conduct SABW. Independent variables analyzed were: consulting with a nutritionist, chronological age, nutritional status (by BMI), perceived quality of life and marital status. The chi-square test and binary logistic regression were used for analysis (p<5%). A high proportion of women self-assessed their body weight in categories other than "normal" (59% [95%CI: 52.2–65.8]), and women with excess weight were more likely to do so (3.70 [95%CI: 1.83-7.49]), as were those with worse perceived quality of life (p=0.001). The women were asked which parts pf their bodies they wished to change and the abdominal region was the only part that had an association with self-assessment of body weight. There was a high rate of women who self-assessed their body weight in categories other than the option "normal" and this outcome was associated with worse perceived quality of life and having excess weight. Additionally, the major focus of concern for these women was the abdominal region.