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Abstract
Little is known about weight perception and weight-related practices among SNAP-Ed-eligible individuals. This study examined overweight and obesity, weight perception, and weight management practices in a convenience sample of SNAP-Ed participants in Georgia. Self-reported body weight, height, and weight-related practices were assessed in 270 SNAP-Ed participants (mean age 55.9 20.4 years, 75.3% female, 73.3% black). Almost three-quarters of the study sample was overweight (31.1%) or obese (41.9%). About 69% and 39% of obese and overweight subjects accurately perceived themselves as overweight, respectively. More than half of the study sample reported desire for weight loss, and 43.7% reported attempting to lose weight in the past 12 months. Overweight/obese subjects who accurately perceived their weight were significantly more likely to desire and have attempted weight loss than those who under-perceived their weight. High prevalence of overweight/obesity and desire to lose weight demonstrates the necessity to develop SNAP-Ed curricula emphasizing weight management.