The objective of the present study was to investigate women's size and shape body perception using the Nine-figure Outline Scale. A total of 150 women were divided into five groups according to body mass index (BMI): non-obese, overweight and grade I, II and III obese women. The options were classified in representations of normal, real and ideal body size and shape. It was evident that the men and women's choice for normal sizes, in the five groups, were predominantly connected to the representation of low body weight. In the self-assessment of the real body size and shape, it was noticed a broad distribution of choices, although with the exception of the pre-obesity group, the majority of women from the other groups made compatible choices with their BMI. The ideal body size and shape was associated with representative figures of low body weight. The data indicate the relevance of the differences between the adequacy of real and ideal perception, pointing at the difficulties related to body self-perception.
body image; obesity; self-assessment
