Self-Labeling of Body Weight: Relationships with Body Image Eating Behaviors and Well-Being

This research consists of two studies. Study I compares normal-weight subjects self-labeled as overweight (NSLO, 99 females, 65 males) and weight matched subjects self-labeled as normal weight (NSLN, 99 females, 65 males), and examined the differences between these groups in their body-image, eating behaviors, and well-being. Results indicated NSLO versus NSLN subjects felt more body-image dissatisfaction, less attractive, fit, and healthy, were more likely to report binge eating and dietary restriction to lose weight, and reported poorer psychosocial well-being. Study 2 compared self-labeled overweight subjects who were overweight (OSLO, 56 females, 53 males) versus normal weight subjects self-labeled as overweight (NSLO, 56 females, 53 males). The results of this study indicated that actually being overweight has some additive negative effect beyond the overweight self-label, more for females than males. Research directions and clinical implications are discussed.