RESUMO
Objective The aim is to understand the underestimation of body weight status and its associated factors among overweight and obese adults in China. Methods Nationally representative data were collected in 2013 by the China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance which used a multistage stratified cluster sampling method. A total of 87 552 overweight and obese adults aged ≥18 years old were included. Demographic characteristics, weight perception and disease status were obtained from in-person interviews. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured through physical examination. Venous blood samples were obtained and assayed for fasting plasma glucose, 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Complex sampling was weighted and multiple logistic regression models were used for analyzing. Results Among overweight and obese adults, 74.7% (95% CI: 73.3%-76.1%) underestimated their weight status. The mild underestimation rate was 60.7% (59.6%-61.7%) while the severe was 14.0% (13.1%-14.9%). The aged, low education level, low annual income, rural area and obesity were risk factors for both weight status underestimation and severe underestimation (all P<0.05). Awareness of having hypertension and dyslipidemia were protective factors (all P<0.05). Conclusions Most overweight and obese adults in China underestimated their own weight status, which was affected by age, education and income level, awareness of having chronic diseases and other factors. Targeted interventions should be carried out for different characteristic groups.