The association between BMI and self-perceptions among CSUSM students

The objective of this research study was to examine the associations between being overweight or obese and self-perceptions of: current health conditions, current body shape and ideal body image, as well as emotional issues. A total of 91 California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) students participated in this study. The sample was divided into normal weight, overweight or obese groups based on the BMI categories (WHO, 2014). The results stated being overweight or obese was not associated with self-perception of health conditions, self-perception of current body shape and ideal body image, as well as self- perception of emotional issues among CSUSM students. However, gender was associated with a perception of a healthy current body shape, and race or ethnicity was associated with emotional issues.