Weight status underestimation and weight management goals among adults in the rural South of the United States.

Purpose: To examine factors associated with weight status underestimation and the relationship between weight status underestimation and weight loss as a weight management goal among adults living in the rural South.

Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed at six primary care clinics and two churches in rural, South Carolina counties. Weight status underestimation was determined based on the difference between perceived weight status using standard body mass index (BMI) categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) and BMI category from self-reported height and weight.