Body Weight Misperception Patterns and Their Association with Health Related Behaviors among Adolescents in South Korea

Abstract

AimsExamine body weight misperception and its association with eating and physical activity behaviors among 12–18–y–old Korean adolescents.MethodsThe 2009 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web‐based Survey data from 72,399 adolescents were used. Weight status was assessed using BMI calculated based on self‐reported weight and height. Multinomial logistic models were fit to examine the associations controlling for covariates.ResultsWeight underestimation and overestimation rate were 23.4% and 26.8%, respectively. Boys had higher weight underestimation rate than girls (30.3% vs. 15.6%) and lower overestimation (21.3% vs. 33.0%). Especially among high family income and parental education girls, overestimation rate was 41.0%. Compared to those with accurate weight perception, boys and girls who underestimate their weight status were more likely to have an unhealthy diet as indicated by significantly (p<0.05) higher daily intakes of soda (OR=1.1), fast‐foods (OR=1.2), and snack (OR=1.1) (≥once/day). Girls (but not boys) who overestimate their weight status were more likely to have more screen time (≥2hrs/day) and be stressed and depressed.ConclusionsOver half of Korean adolescents had weight misperception; and there are considerable sex and socioeconomic status differences. Weight misperception is associated with health related behaviors compared to peers with accurate weight perception.Grant Funding Source: NIH U54 HD070725‐01