Discrepancy between current, desired, and ideal Body Mass Index in persons with obesity: a Swedish population-based study.

INTRODUCTION Body weight dissatisfaction, when current and desired Body Mass Index (BMI) do not align, is common in persons with obesity. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore factors associated with the differences between current and desired BMI, and ideal BMI (defined in the present study as BMI 25 kg/m2), in persons with obesity. METHODS Swedish citizens aged 20-64 years, residing in the Stockholm County were randomly selected from the population register at five different and evenly separated occasions in the study period 1998-2000, and invited to provide self-reported data about their current weight, height, desired weight, and other characteristics such as depressive symptoms and alcohol intake. Among the 10 441 participants with a mean of BMI 24 kg/m2, differences between desired BMI and ideal BMI were calculated to determine the discrepancy between desired BMI and ideal BMI in participants with obesity (n=808). The discrepancy between current and desired BMI was also determined. Using linear regression, factors associated with BMI discrepancies were determined. RESULTS Persons with BMI <40 kg/m2 desired a lower BMI than those with BMI ≥40 kg/m2 (26 ±3 vs. 36 ±14 kg/m2, p<0.001). Women with obesity (n= 425) had a larger discrepancy between current and desired BMI, 32% ±16, than men with obesity (n= 380), 24% ±21 (p<0.001). Persons with obesity and major depression had a 6.9% (95% CI 2.5 - 11.4) larger discrepancy between current and desired BMI than persons with obesity but without major depression. Being born abroad, having a university degree, or hazardous alcohol use were not associated with discrepancy between current and desired BMI, or desired BMI and ideal BMI (all p>0.05). CONCLUSION Desired BMI and discrepancies between current, desired, and ideal BMI vary according to current BMI, sex, and presence of major depression. This underscores the significance of a patient-centered approach in the management of obesity, where the goals and needs of each patient should be considered.

Informations de copyright

The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.