You could be one of them.

Most young women have a misconception of what an overweight or obese is. This is one of the findings of a group of researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston. The researchers lead by Dr. Abbey Berenson, a professor in the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the university, said that this kind of perception can be dangerous as it can lead to health problems such as heart diseases and type-2 diabetes.

In the survey conducted on 2,200 low-income women aged 18 to 25 in Texas reproductive health clinics, most of them were confused whether they are already overweight or obese. Around 23% of overweight American women said that their weight is still normal while 16% of women with normal weight think that they are already obese. “This age population has been shown to be at increased risk for behaviors that put their health at risk,” said Dr. Berenson.

These confusions can also contribute to the unhealthy lifestyles of most American women. “Overweight individuals who do not recognize that they are overweight are far less likely to eat healthfully and exercise,” said Dr. Berenson who is also the director of the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Women’s Health. “If you go somewhere, you see all the overweight people that think they are normal even though they’re overweight,” said Dr. Mahbubur Rahman, who was also part of the team.

Race a Major Factor

The researchers also found out that weight misperceptions varied by race. 25% of Hispanics and 30% of African-Americans consider themselves having normal weight even if they were already considered as overweight. White women, on the other hand, only recorded 15%.

Interviews with normal weight or underweight women who looked at themselves as obese also showed significant figures. 16% of white women believe that they are already obese even if they were not while Hispanic women showed a higher misperception at 20%. The detailed report was published in the December issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology Journal.

Because of these misconceptions, women who believe that they are already obese would tend to adopt weight loss measure which may be dangerous to their health. Some of them may skip diet, smoke more cigarettes, abuse diuretics or water pills and use diet pills.

How to Determine if You are Obese or Overweight

Dr. Berenson said that this problem can be easily addressed if people know how to determine an overweight or obese. The lead researcher suggests that doctors should include BMI checks as part of routine screening in their clinics just like getting the blood pressure. With this, women will be advised whether they are underweight, overweight, obese or having normal weight.

“Since one in four overweight and obese women think that they are normal weight, it is a big obstacle to obesity prevention efforts,” Dr. Rahman said. “We think that many people do not know their weight status, and the range of normal-weight, overweight and obese categories,” the doctor told Reuters.

Body Mass Index, a Basic Tool in Determining Obesity

Many women may not recognize the importance of BMI in determining their actual weight status. Having a BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered as within the normal range. If your BMI is within 25 to 29.9, that means you are already overweight. Women with a BMI of 30 and above are already considered obese. Computing your own BMI should not be a problem since there are so many online BMI calculators. Obesity is a major health problem and should not be taken for granted.