Self-estimated BMI, but not self-perceived body size, accurately identifies unhealthy weight in US adults

BMC Public Health

Table 2 Test Characteristics. Non-pregnant participants ages 16 and up in NHANES 1999–2013, complete data on BMI and weight perception. N = 37,281

		Objectively-measured BMI category
		Underweight	Normal weight	Overweight	Obese
Self-perceived body size	Sensitivity	55.7	73.2	59.6	90.8
Self-perceived body size	Specificity	21.7	59.9	89.6
BMI category based on self-reported height and weight	Sensitivity	67.1	92.1	81.4	83.5
	Sensitivity	67.1	92.1	99.7
	Specificity	76.2	85.2	78.1	94.8
	Specificity	76.2	85.2	96.4

Sensitivity and specificity refer to the ability of individual self-perception or self-estimation to identify objectively measured BMI category. Self-perceived body size was categorized into ‘underweight’, ‘about the right weight’ or ‘overweight’, with no separate category for obesity

ISSN: 1471-2458