Perceptions of body weight based on personal control and responsibility vary by body mass index.

This project aimed to identify the perceptions of body-weight that distinguish individuals based on BMI using a qualitative, then a quantitative study. First, perceptions of body-weight were explored in 17 individuals with overweight. Second, a questionnaire was developed, and completed by a UK population sample (N¼328) with BMI ranging from 16.6e59.7 kg/m2, where 100 respondents were also weighed and measured to assess the accuracy of self-reported BMI. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis. Five factors also emerged from a PCA of the questionnaire responses: 1) ‘I can control my weight’; 2) ‘Societal influences’; 3) ‘Overweight has negative consequences’; 4) ‘Hidden causes’; and 5) ‘Guidelines are helpful’. In males and females, a higher BMI was associated with perceptions of less personal control and responsibility. In males, BMI was also associated with illness / medication that may affect body-weight. In females, a higher BMI was also associated with perceptions of less negative consequences, more hidden causes, and less benefit from guidelines. Thus, perceptions of body-weight vary by BMI. Focusing on the perceptions based on personal control and responsibility may be useful for prevention and treatment.