Influence of weight perception on the evolution of the body composition of adolescents followed up in an Obesity Consultation

Abstract Purpose: Obesity is a public health challenge, especially in adolescence, a stage characterized by physiological and behavioral. Although self-image place a significant rule on weight perception, there is no consensus on the impact of self-perceived weight on actual weight development. While some studies suggest that underestimating weight can boost weight gain, others suggest that overestimating is responsible for weight gain. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of weight perception on the evolution of body composition in adolescents followed in an Adolescent Obesity Consultation. Methods: An exploratory, longitudinal, retrospective study was carried out, analyzing data from 131 adolescents with obesity (BMI Z-Score ≥ 2.0), with valid data from at least two obesity appointments. Results: 44.3% of the participants had a correct perception of their weight evolution; 41.4% perceived an increase, with real weight loss and 7.1% reported having no perception at all of their weight evolution. Lack of perception of weight evolution was associated with an increase in hip circumference (β=1.021; 95%CI: 0.791 to 1.318; R² = 31.6%; p=.012). The correct perception of weight gain, compared to the wrong perception of weight loss, was associated with a greater increase in BMI (respectively, β=5.833; 95%CI: 2.223; 15.304; R² = 67.2%; p<.001; β=.131; 95%CI: 0.003; 0.292; R² = 85%; p<.001). Conclusion: The correct perception of body evolution positively influences body composition in adolescents living with obesity.