Demographic factors, weight management behaviours, receipt of healthcare professional's counselling and having knowledge in basic anthropometric measurements associated with underassessment of weight status in overweight and obese type 2 diabetes patients

SummaryObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of underassessment of weight status and weight management behaviours and to evaluate how underassessment of weight status is associated with demographic factors, receipt of healthcare professional's weight management counselling, weight management behaviours and having knowledge in basic anthropometric measurements.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 222 overweight and obese type 2 diabetes patients. Participants’ weight and height were determined using appropriate tools. Demographic characteristics, knowledge in basic anthropometric measurements and self-assessment of weight status were determined using a questionnaire.ResultsThey were more overweight (65.8%) than obese (34.2%) participants. Sixty percent reported receipt of weight management counselling from health care professionals. The majority (50.5%) of the participants did not know which category of weight status they were, 30.6% assessed themselves as normal weight and 18.0% assessed themselves as overweight/obese. Prevalence of underassessment was 63.6%. Participants underassessing (2.9% vs. 20%; p = 0.004) their weight status were less likely to be able to measure their weight and calculate BMI than their counterparts who accurately self-assessed their weight status. Overweight participants were 3 times more likely to underassess their weight status than obese participants. Underassessment of weight status was less likely in females and in participants who reported receipt of weight management counselling than in those who did not receive weight management counselling.ConclusionUnderassessment of weight status was more common in overweight than in obese participants. Receipt of weight management counselling was associated with having accurate assessment of weight status. Lack of knowledge in anthropometric measurements was widespread.