Assessing Tallahassee State College Students' Perceptions of Healthy BMI Using Silhouette Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Tallahassee State College (TSC) students' perceptions of correctly identifying a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) for both males and females using silhouette analysis, as BMI is a widely used metric for assessing weight status and overall health. The ability to accurately identify a healthy BMI is essential for self-reflection and informed decision making regarding personal health. As overweight and obesity rates continue to rise in the United States, equipping individuals with this knowledge empowers them to make healthier lifestyle choices.

To determine TSC students' perceptions on a healthy BMI, a study was conducted asking students to correctly identify a range of healthy body sizes for both male and female silhouettes.

Results indicate that while some students correctly identified healthy BMI ranges, many demonstrated misconceptions, either overestimating or underestimating appropriate weight classifications. These misconceptions highlight the need for further research into TSC students’ understanding of a healthy body size and how their perceptions align with actual BMI scale classifications.

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