Correlates of weight concern and control in a Hispanic college student sample

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between weight concern and control and theoretically and empirically relevant correlates in a Hispanic college student sample. Participants were 163 Hispanic college students who completed measures assessing demographics, willingness to put health at risk to lose weight, unhealthy weight loss methods, acculturation, body weight and fitness happiness and importance, and sociocultural attitudes toward appearance. Body mass index was also assessed. Females internalized sociocultural attitudes toward appearance more and found personal attractiveness more important than males, while males were less happy with their personal attractiveness. Internalization of sociocultural attitudes toward appearance and BMI predicted the degree to which individuals were willing to put their health at risk to lose weight. The previous factors, as well as the importance of body weight and fitness and being female, were significant predictors of number of unhealthy weight loss methods employed to lose weight. These data indicate that within a Hispanic college student population, weight concern and control issues are relevant considerations for future studies and the development and assessment of weight loss interventions.