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Introduction: Weight misperception (WM) is common and associated with adverse health outcomes. Moreover, it may be associated with anti-obesity medication misuse. Previous studies in other countries report that WM is common among university students. However, its frequency differs between countries, and data regarding university students in Turkey are lacking.
Methodology: We designed and conducted a cross-sectional survey on a university campus in Turkey. Demographic, anthropometric, educational, nutritional, and perceptional data were acquired. Weight misperception was analyzed verbally and visually. Misperceptions were grouped as weight overestimation and underestimation. Factors associated with misperceptions were analyzed using multivariate multinomial logistic regression (LR) analysis.
Results: 748 participants were included in the analysis. Verbal and visually appropriate perceptions were 75% and 65%, respectively. Female participants were more likely to perceive appropriately. Among participants with misperception, the females were more likely to overestimate while the males were more likely to underestimate. LR analysis demonstrated that body mass index, gender, tobacco use, overall health perception, physical self-esteem, and fast-food serving were associated with misperception in different models.
Discussion: Weight misperception is common among university students in Turkey. Lean female students are prone to overestimation and may end up misusing anti-obesity medication. Overweight male students are prone to underestimation and prevented from benefiting from anti-obesity medications.
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