PURPOSE Unintentional weight loss (UWL) is a prevalent problem in people with cancer and is associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes. A gap exists in understanding whether and how perceived and/or weight status impacts experiences of UWL. Thus, we sought to examine subjective experiences of UWL in people with cancer, and whether perceived and/or actual weight status impacts these experiences. METHODS Participants were recruited through Cancer Support Community's Cancer Experience Registry® and related networks. Participants completed an online survey that included the FAACT Anorexia-Cachexia subscale, and 19 items that captured six themes related to "beliefs and concerns" (positive beliefs, psychosocial impact, physical impact, cancer outcomes, self-esteem, relationships with others). Perceived weight status (PWS) was assessed using a single item. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height measurements. RESULTS Of 326 respondents, 114 reported experiencing UWL. Over one-third misperceived their weight, with 29% perceiving weight status as below their BMI status. UWL in those with perceived weight status of overweight/obese was associated with positive beliefs. However, being underweight by BMI or perceiving oneself as underweight were both associated with greater concerns about weight loss. Perceived weight status of underweight compared to normal or overweight/obese weight status was associated with poorer psychosocial well-being, personal control, self-esteem, and relationships with others. CONCLUSION In people with cancer, perceived weight status, rather than BMI, had greater impact on negative "beliefs and concerns" about UWL. Findings suggest assessment of both perceived and actual BMI to address the impact of UWL on psychosocial wellbeing.

中文翻译：

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癌症患者的无意体重减轻、相关负担和体重状况。

目的 无意体重减轻 (UWL) 是癌症患者普遍存在的问题，并且与较差的社会心理结果相关。在理解感知和/或体重状态是否以及如何影响 UWL 体验方面存在差距。因此，我们试图检查癌症患者 UWL 的主观体验，以及感知和/或实际体重状况是否会影响这些体验。方法 参与者是通过癌症支持社区的癌症经验注册® 和相关网络招募的。参与者完成了一项在线调查，其中包括 FAACT 厌食症-恶病质子量表和 19 个项目，这些项目涵盖了与“信念和担忧”相关的六个主题（积极信念、心理社会影响、身体影响、癌症结果、自尊、与他人的关系）。使用单个项目评估感知体重状态 (PWS)。使用自我报告的体重和身高测量值计算体重指数（BMI）。结果 在 326 名受访者中，114 人报告经历过 UWL。超过三分之一的人误解了他们的体重，29% 的人认为体重状态低于他们的 BMI 状态。那些认为体重超重/肥胖的人的 UWL 与积极信念有关。然而，体重指数偏低或认为自己体重不足都与对减肥的更大担忧有关。与正常或超重/肥胖体重状态相比，体重过轻的感知体重状态与较差的社会心理健康、个人控制、自尊和与他人的关系有关。结论 在癌症患者中，感知的体重状态，而不是 BMI，对 UWL 的负面“信念和担忧”产生了更大的影响。研究结果表明评估感知和实际 BMI 以解决 UWL 对社会心理健康的影响。