Trends in Self-perceived Weight Status, Weight Loss Attempts, and Weight Loss Strategies among Adults in the United States, 1999-2006

Abstract

Importance: The self-perception of weight and weight loss attempts might promote weight loss and maintenance. Objective: To examine trends in current measured body mass index (BMI) and weight, self-reported weight, self-perceived weight status, weight loss attempts, and weight loss strategies among adults in the United States. Design, Setting, and Participants: This national cross-sectional study used data from continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data sets (1999-2000 to 2015-2016). Participants were US residents older than 20 years. Data were analyzed from January 2018 to December 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Current measured BMI and weight, self-reported weight, self-perceived weight status, weight loss attempts, and applied weight loss strategies. Adjusted, self-reported, prior-year weight was calculated using correction equations that considered age, sex, race/ethnicity, and quartile of self-reported prior-year weight. Results: Data were collected from 48026 participants (19792 [41.2%] aged 40-64 years; 24255 [50.5%] women; 21725 [45.2%] white) through 9 surveys from 1999-2000 to 2015-2016. Increasing trends were observed in current measured BMI (difference, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.92-1.47; P for trend