Perception of body mass in Malaysia: an initial pilot of a Body Image Scale (BIS)

Abstract

Background: More than 60% of Malaysia’s population is overweight or obese. The Body Image Scale (BIS) has not before been used as a research tool in Malaysia. The aim of this study is to compare an objective measurement of BMI with a self-reported one, using the BIS (gender specific body images that link to BMI categories) and validate the use of the BIS as proxy for BMI. Method: Mixed method with purposeful sampling of adults with history of engaging in weight management (WM) (N=46). Self-reported BMI using BIS was compared to objective BMI. Level of match between actual BMI and BIS perceived position was feedback to participants and reactions were obtained to ascertain reasons for perceptual differences. Findings: 26 were currently engaged in WM. Of those: 15 were able to match correctly perceived BMI via BIS with actual BMI. ; 10 perceived their BMI lower than actual (underestimated), and; one overestimated BMI. Of those not currently on WM (n=20): 3 were able to match BMI correctly with BIS (these were pondering on engaging in WM), and; 17 underestimated. Reactions revealed that participants stated that they did not look as fat as in the images in the BIS. Conclusion: Being currently actively engaged in WM seems to lead to better match. Important to collect more data on the use of the BIS in Malaysia, this time in a general population, this is crucial to conclude on the use of BIS as a tool to assess BMI in surveys.