Thursday 11 February 2016 11:03am
Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research (EDOR) directors have commented on recent survey findings that reveal New Zealander's perceptions about body weight. The annual Cigna 360 Wellbeing survey found more than 60% of NZ respondents were overweight or obese - the highest number out of all the countries surveyed. In addition, many New Zealanders may not have an accurate perception of what overweight looks like, with participants suggesting that only 45% of New Zealanders are overweight or obese.
Professor Jim Mann, director of EDOR, is not suprised at these findings, which are similar to results from studies by EDOR researchers showing that parents underestimate obesity in children.
Associate Professor Rachael Taylor, co-director and lead EDOR obesity researcher, says that parents often think of normal-weight children as underweight, and overweight children as normal. "People tend to underestimate their own weight as well", says Professor Taylor.
The Cigna '360-degree Well-being Score' provides an annual health-index, identifying and monitoring the factors, motivations, perceptions and attitudes that impact an individual's, a country's and a region's overall health, wellness and well-being. The annual survey monitors overall wellbeing across 11 countries.
Read the news stories
- New Zealanders are fat and in denial about it, Stuff website and Dominion Post, 11 February, 2016
- Kiwis want to lose weight, but prioritise family, Voxy website, 11 February, 2016
