Table 2.

Bivariate and multivariable associations between weight status, weight perception, and internal mental distress by sex.

Weight status/weight perception	Percentage (N) in each weight and weight status categorya	Percentage (N) reporting internal mental distressb	Odds ratio, Internal mental distress [95% Confidence Interval]
	Males
Correct Perceivers
Not OV/Not OV*	71.9 (37,851)	15.2 (5,531)	1 (ref)
OV/OV	3.6% (1,889)	24.8 (449)	1.74 [1.55, 1.94]c
OB/OV	7.4% (3,875)	25.2 (941)	1.68 [1.55, 1.82]c
Misperceivers
Not OV/OV	2.2% (1,176)	34.2 (386)	2.76 [2.42, 3.14]c
OV/Not OV	10.6% (5,594)	14.5 (778)	0.91 [.83, .99]c
OB/Not OV	4.4% (2,292)	15.9 (348)	0.96 [.85, 1.08]
Total N	52,677	50,566	50,566
	Females
Correct Perceivers
Not OV/Not OV	72.3% (37,651)	28.4 (10,453)	1 (ref)
OV/OV	6.7% (3,499)	47.8 (1638)	2.02 [1.88, 2.18]c
OB/OV	5.1% (2,678)	51.4 (1347)	2.14 [1.96, 2.32]c
Misperceivers
Not OV/OV	10.0% (5,237)	55.0 (2,821)	2.89 [2.72, 3.08]c
OV/Not OV	5.0% (2,581)	34.0 (851)	1.11 [1.02, 1.22]c
OB/Not OV	0.9% (465)	38.1 (173)	1.15 [0.94, 1.41]
Total N	52,111	50,942	50,942

^*OV=overweight, OB=obese. Weight status category is listed first, and weight perception second.

^aSex was significantly related to the distribution of weight status/weight perception groups (χ²=5590, df=5, p<.001). Within each weight status/weight perception group, there were differences (p<.05) in prevalence by sex for each group except the first group (those who were not overweight and perceived themselves as not overweight).

^bInternal mental distress was significantly related to weight status/weight perception groups (χ²=3789, df=5, p<.001).

^cUsing the not overweight/not overweight perception group as the reference, the odds of individuals in each group having high internal mental distress, significant at the level of p<.05, from logistic regressions stratified by sex and controlling for grade, race, free/reduced price lunch status, and family structure.