Awareness of Obesity and Diabetes: A Survey of a Subset of British Male Drivers

Behavior modification necessary to tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires individual awareness of the existing problem. Objectives: This study aimed to assess body weight perception, awareness of the relation between adiposity and T2DM, and the relation between adiposity and weight loss attempts. Methods: Male drivers were recruited randomly from motorway service stations between May and July 2007, completed a questionnaire and had body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and body composition. Results: Participants included 266 men, median age 52 years, and BMI 28.25 kg/m2. Obesity prevalence was 46% based on BMI and 73% based on WC. Participants underestimated their WC(94.3 +/- 10.2 vs.102.9 +/- 11.41 cm, estimatedvs. actual, p <.001). Of participants with normal BMI, 18% thought they were overweight, whereas 26% of overweight thought they were "just right" and 19% of obese recognized their obesity. Based on WC, 30% of participants with normal WC thought they were obese and 9% of obese realized they were obese. Only 25% and 42% of participants recognized that T2DM is associated with large waist and obesity, respectively. A total of 81% of overweight and 62% of obese participants (based on BMI) believed that they were not at increased risk of T2DM. Self-perception of adiposity weakly predicted weight loss attempts (lambda = 0.28, p = .008). Conclusion: Male drivers significantly underestimate their adiposity and risk of T2DM. Further public education regarding obesity, its associated health risks, and the benefits of weight loss is needed.