Previous research suggests that individual perception of body size varies by gender and ethnicity and that some sub-cultures are more accepting of overweight body types. Particular groups of individuals who positively value a body type that is deemed clinically overweight or obese may be unreceptive to weight management techniques aimed to decrease the risk for development of obesity-related chronic diseases. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived body image and actual body composition, across race and gender, in a group of 240 college-aged students. Participants underwent skinfold body composition assessment and completed a questionnaire designed to elicit perceptions of body image and body weight status. Data summary of this cross-sectional study design included comparative descriptive statistics, frequencies, and relative frequencies. Results suggested that one in four females, regardless of race, categorized as in the acceptable range for body fat percentage, identified themselves as overweight. Over half of all Asian, Black, and Hispanic males, categorized as in the acceptable range for body fat percentage, identified themselves as overweight. Over half of White males and females, and Black females, categorized as overweight, perceived themselves to be of “about the right weight”.
