ArticleBMC public health2026
Body weight misperception among school going adolescents in Cameroon.
Article in BMC public health, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Body weight perception and body self-esteem in adolescents with overweight or obesity in Costa Rica: challenges for public health policy.Revista panamericana de salud publica = Pan American journal of public health · 2026Article
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5 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundBody weight misperception (discordance between perceived and measured body weight among adolescents) among adolescents is linked to unhealthy weight-control practices and adverse mental health outcomes. However, evidence on body weight misperception among adolescents from Sub-Saharan Africa remains limited. This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of body weight misperception among school-going adolescents in rural and urban settings in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey among 3,153 adolescents aged 12-19 years from ten secondary schools in the urban and peri urban localities in Yaoundé, Cameroon (September-October 2018). Data on weight perception, weight-control behaviours, and mental health were collected using the WHO Global School-based Student Health Survey questionnaire. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age z-score was calculated from measured height and weight using WHO Anthro plus. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with misperception.
resultsOverall, 33.7% of adolescents showed discordance between perceived and measured weight status. Discordance was significantly more prevalent among females (43.2%) than males (56.8%) (p = 0.01) and among adolescents who were overweight or obese (69.0%) compared with those of normal weight (p < 0.001). Compared with those who correctly perceived their weight, adolescents with discordant weight perception had higher odds of attempting to lose (aOR 1.75; 95% CI 1.39-2.19) or gain weight (aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.47-2.45), restricting calorie intake (aOR 1.49; 95% CI 1.20-1.85), and using laxatives (aOR 1.45; 95% CI 0.94-2.24). They were more likely to report suicide attempts (aOR 1.46; 95% CI 1.07-1.99), and concentration difficulties.
conclusionOne in three school-going adolescents in Cameroon showed a discordance between their perceived and measured weight status. Discordant weight perception is associated with unhealthy weight-control practices and poorer mental health. School- and community-based interventions should address body image and promote accurate weight perception to support adolescent well-being.
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