To evaluate ethnic perceptual variations in body mass index (BMI) and accrued physical activity. Women (n = 204) from the eastern United States were stratified into the following ethnic groups: White women (WW; n = 97), Black women (BW n = 62) and Others (Hispanic and Asian women, n = 45). Participants completed questionnaires and physiologic variables were determined. BW had increased weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage vs. WW (p < .05). Body mass was higher in BW vs. Others (p < .05). There were no differences for perception of BMI or body dissatisfaction. BW were the only group in which perception of BMI was lower than measured BMI. BW engaged in 50% less domestic and total physical activity than WW and Others. Physical activity was not correlated to perception of BMI.
Conclusion:
Perception of BMI was similar across ethnic groups and not correlated to physical activity levels in young women.
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