Body Weight Perception and Weight Control Practices among Teenagers.

Darshini Devi Bhurtun,Rajesh Jeewon

doi:10.5402/2013/395125

Abstract

Background. Weight-loss behaviours are highly prevalent among adolescents, and body weight perception motivates weight control practices. However, little is known about the association of body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers in Mauritius. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between actual body weight, body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers. Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data on anthropometric measurements, weight perception and weight control practices from a sample of 180 male and female students (90 boys and 90 girls) aged between 13 and 18 years old. Results. Based on BMI, 11.7% of students were overweight. Overall, 43.3% of respondents reported trying to lose weight (61.1% girls and 25.6% boys). Weight-loss behaviours were more prevalent among girls. Among the weight-loss teens, 88.5% students perceived themselves as overweight even though only 19.2% were overweight. Reducing fat intake (84.6%), exercising (80.8%), and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables (73.1%) and decreasing intake of sugar (66.7%) were the most commonly reported methods to lose weight. Conclusion. Body weight perception was poorly associated with actual weight status. Gender difference was observed in body weight perception.

Highlights

Despite the increased prevalence of weight concern and weight control practices among teenagers, obesity has been increasing steadily [1, 2]
The findings of the study demonstrated that body weight perception was poorly associated with BMI among Mauritian teenagers
Gender difference was observed in body weight perception with many more female adolescents overestimating their body size

Summary

Introduction

Despite the increased prevalence of weight concern and weight control practices among teenagers, obesity has been increasing steadily [1, 2]. Males value a muscular physique, which they often associate with health [4, 5] To achieve their ideal, teenagers engage in weight control behaviours. Healthy or overweight individuals who perceive themselves as overweight or fat are more likely to engage in weight reduction activities, whereas individuals with an excess body weight who do not perceive themselves overweight will not involve themselves in weight loss behaviours [11, 12]. Weight-loss behaviours are highly prevalent among adolescents, and body weight perception motivates weight control practices. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data on anthropometric measurements, weight perception and weight control practices from a sample of 180 male and female students (90 boys and 90 girls) aged between 13 and 18 years old.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion