Weight perception and self-rated health: are there differences between cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors?

Purpose To compare relationships between self-perceived weight and self-rated health (SRH) between cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors. Methods A cross-sectional study based on the 2014- 2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted for the associations of self-perceived weight status, measured BMI categories, and combined categories by self-perceived weight and measured BMI with SRH in 1622 cancer survivors and 29,903 non-cancer survivors using complex samples ordinal regression analysis after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, health behaviors, and concurrent diseases. Results Compared to the comparison group (those who were normal weight and self-perceived as average weight in non-cancer survivors), adjusted odds for poorer SRH were higher in cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors who were underweight and self-perceived as underweight (adjusted odds ratios[aORs], 2.69 for non-cancer survivors; 2.62 for cancer survivors), those who were normal weight but self-perceived as underweight or overweight (aORs, 1.69-2.38 for non-cancer survivors; 2.34-3.78 for cancer survivors), and those who were overweight and self-perceived as overweight (aORs, 1.52 for non-cancer survivors; 2.42 for cancer survivors). In cancer survivors, the odds for poorer SRH were greater for those who were normal weight and self-perceived as average weight (aOR = 1.84), whereas the odds were not significant for those who were underweight or overweight and self-perceived as average weight. In non-cancer survivors who self-perceived as average weight, the odds for poorer SRH were significant in those with underweight (aOR = 1.35) or overweight (aOR = 0.84). Conclusion According to actual weight status, the association between self-perceived weight and SRH may differ between cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors.

Automated summary

This study compared the relationship between self-perceived weight and self-rated health (SRH) in cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors. The findings suggest that the association between self-perceived weight and SRH may differ between cancer survivors and non-cancer survivors, depending on their actual weight status.