Does body weight perception and/or actual body weight influence physical activity and quality of life of adults?

Background: Discrepancy between the actual body mass index (BMI) categories and perceived body size/weight can lead to adverse weight management. Wrongful perception of small body size may act as a barrier to physical activity (PA) behavior and may also affect the quality of life (QoL). 
Objective: To determine BMI, perceived body size/weight and their influences on PA level and QoL among adult residents in Nnewi.
Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 357 participants (223 males and 134 females) who were resident in Nnewi, using consecutive sampling technique. Socio-demographic information was collected using a biodata form. BMI, perceived body size/weight, PA level and QoL were measured using standardized procedures. 
Results: Most of the participants perceived their body size (64.4%) as normal. However, their ABS was observed to be predominantly normal weight (40.3%) and overweight (39.7%). BMI significantly influenced PA (p<0.01) and a Mental component score of QoL (p<0.01). However, only PA level was significantly influenced by perceived body size (p<0.01), perceived body weight (p<0.01), perceived ideal body weight (p<0.01). 
Conclusion: Whereas most of the participants perceived their body size as normal, their actual body size was observed to be predominantly normal weight and overweight. Also, while BMI influences the PA level and QoL, perceived body weight and size influence only PA level. Perceived body size/weight has an impact on PA behavior.