South Africans have different perceptions about their weight and are in denial about how unfit they really are.

A recent survey reveals that 61% South Africans are overweight, obese or morbidly obese.

However the study reveals that 74% of South Africans think their fellow citizens are overweight and only 34% of people considered themselves as overweight or obese.

The survey also found that many people do not exercise yet they believe they are healthy.

The national health survey was commissioned by global research-based healthcare company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and conducted by independent marketing insight consultancy, Added Value. A sample size of 500 respondents was chosen where face-to-face interviews were conducted.

Jonathan Girling, Vice President, Consumer Healthcare at GSK, says the aim of the survey was to find insight into the attitudes and behaviours of people on health matters. The study also brought a broader context to the overweight and obesity epidemic we’re facing as a nation.

“People are in denial and don’t realise how overweight they are,” said Girling.

“Unbelievably when they are overweight (or worse) they consider themselves as healthy.”

There is also a prevalent perception that healthy food is more expensive than unhealthy food.

Lifestyle, food, poverty and demographics play a role in the weight of the nation, the survey reveals. Capetonians are the worst affected with 72% of them overweight, followed by people living in Pretoria (68%), Johannesburg (59%) and Durban (52%).