The Relationship Between Perceived Weight Status, BMI Discrepancy, and Anxiety Control Among Female Medical Students

Background: The quality of life and academic performance are severely impacted, particularly in females, due to higher anxiety and lower Control. Issues regarding perceived BMI contribute to anxiety levels; however, the relationship remains unknown. Studies regarding the association between anxiety and perceived BMI have reported contradictory results. Objective: The study aims to examine the relation between perceived weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI) discrepancy, and anxiety control. Methods: The study used a cross-sectional design and a survey questionnaire, completed by 362 medical students at King Abdulaziz University (KAU). Perceived anxiety control was evaluated using the Anxiety Control Questionnaire (ACQ). For calculating BMI, data was collected. Statistical analysis included weighted Kappa for agreement on BMI perception, while multiple linear regression assessed anxiety and perceived BMI relationships. To determine the difference in ACQ scores, ANOVA and sample t-tests were conducted across different predictor levels. Results: Moderate to substantial agreement was observed between calculated BMI and perceived BMI category (weighted Kappa = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56–0.68), with a mean anxiety control score of 78.1 ± 18.5. Compared to those perceiving a normal weight, students who perceived themselves as overweight or obese had significantly lower ACQ scores (adjusted β = –8.28, p = 0.01; β = –27.49, p = 0.001. Discussion: Respectively, after adjustment for GPA, smoking, and BMI category. Conversely, students who underestimated their BMI (perceived themselves thinner than actual) had significantly higher ACQ scores (adjusted β = 8.54, p = 0.02 Conclusion: The present study denotes the need to address perceived BMI concerns to overcome anxiety with selective measures and awareness initiatives to enhance the overall quality of life and mental health of the female medical population.