| Summary: | Obesity is rapidly increasing worldwide and there is a general misconception
regarding body weight perception. The aim of this study was to determine the
prevalence of obesity and body weight perception among pregnant women. A total
of 315 pregnant women participated in this study. Their Body Mass Index (BMI)
was recorded and weight perception was assessed using a questionnaire. About
two third (60.6%, n=191) participants in the study had excess weight out of which,
29.8% (n=94) were obese and 30.8% (n=97) were overweight. There was poor
agreement between participant’s true body weight category and their perception
(k=0.185 (95% CI, 0.119 to 0.258), p<0.001). Majority of participants who were
obese (84%, n=79) and overweight (77.4%, n=75) underestimated their weight
status. Only a very small percentage of obese (16%, n=15) and overweight 18.6%
(n=18) participants had correct perception of their weight. However, the majority
(84.3%, n=86) of participants with normal body weight had correct perception
regarding their body weight. This study found that most obese and overweight
women tend to underestimate their weight status while those of normal weight had
correct perception of their body weight. The inaccurate perception of those who
are obese and overweight may impact weight gain during pregnancy and affect
pregnancy related complications. Education regarding ideal body weight and its
benefits needs to be instilled during pre-pregnancy care to achieve better overall
outcome.
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