Body Weight Perception and Misperception Among Jordanian Adults Living with Diabetes

Aims To examine body image perceptions, shape satisfaction, and the impact of family and cultural beliefs and media among individuals with diabetes. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among type 2 diabetic adults at The National Center for Diabetes Endocrinology and Genetics (NCDEG), Amman, Jordan, from Nov 2023 to Jan 2024. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a questionnaire covering socio-demographics, health metrics, and the Stunkard Figure Rating (SFR) Scale. Analysis included descriptive statistics, T-tests, and Chi-square tests. Results Dieting was the most common weight-loss strategy (59.9%), with females more likely than males to attempt and succeed in dietary modifications, including reducing food intake (58% vs. 48.6%, P = 0.007) and sweetened beverages (44.2% vs. 38.5%, P = 0.047) and increasing fiber intake (53.7% vs. 43.2%, P = 0.005). Exercise was successful in 51.2% without gender differences. Most participants (72.4%) identified normal-weight silhouettes as the healthiest, though 22.4%, particularly females, considered underweight ideal. Grade III obesity was overwhelmingly perceived as the unhealthiest (92.2%). Cultural and family ideals favored normal weight (38.3% and 48.9%) or overweight (37.6% and 25%), with gender and BMI-related variations. Overall, 66.2% desired body-shape change, especially females (69.5% vs. 59%, P = 0.001). There was a notable discrepancy between actual and perceived body image, with underestimation common among females and older individuals, while normal-BMI participants were more likely to overestimate. Conclusion This study highlights gender differences in body image perception. Cultural and familial influences are evident. Further studies on diabetes patients' body image perceptions are needed for targeted diabetic care.