Do Normative State Behaviors in BMI Play a Role in Subjective Weight Assessment?

• In Event: 105 - Section on Sociology of Population Paper Session. Spatial Stratification

Abstract

The findings of this study indicate the importance of state-level context and the variance of BMI across states when considering perceived weight reporting. What constitutes a normal body type varies by state, and thus how an individual assesses his/her own weight varies in accordance with the social context of the normal body type of the state they live in. Further, findings show that there are gendered differences between the magnitude of these state-based effects as well as in the amount of time that these effects matter as one ages. Since subjective assessment of one’s own weight has been linked to a variety of health outcomes ranging from eating disorders to depression, it is important for researchers and clinicians to understand the significant, unique, and thus far under-explored role that one’s state plays in shaping these health outcomes.

Authors

• Robbee Wedow, University of Colorado-Boulder

• Jason D. Boardman, University of Colorado