Measured body mass index, body weight perception, dissatisfaction and control practices in urban, low-income African American adolescents

Xiaoli Chen,Youfa Wang,Huifang Liang

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-9-183

Abstract

BackgroundCurrent understanding of the associations between actual body weight status, weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices among low-income urban African American adolescents is limited. The knowledge can help direct future intervention efforts.MethodsCross-sectional data including measured weight and height and self-reported weight status collected from 448 adolescents in four Chicago Public Schools were used.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) was 39.8%, but only 27.2% considered themselves as obese, although 43.4% reported trying to lose weight. Girls were more likely to express weight dissatisfaction than boys, especially those with BMI ≥ 95th percentile (62.9% vs. 25.9%). BMI ≥ 85th percentile girls were more likely to try to lose weight than boys (84.6% vs. 66.7%). Among all adolescents, 27.2% underestimated and 67.2% correctly judged their own weight status. Multinomial logistic models show that those with BMI ≥ 85th percentile, self-perceived as obese, or expressed body dissatisfaction were more likely to try to lose weight; adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 4.52 (2.53–8.08), 18.04 (7.19–45.30), 4.12 (1.64–10.37), respectively. No significant differences were found in diet and physical activity between those trying to lose weight and those not trying, but boys who reported trying to lose weight still spent more television time (P < 0.05).ConclusionGender differences in weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices exist among African American adolescents. One-third did not appropriately classify their weight status. Weight perception and body dissatisfaction are correlates of weight control practices. Adolescents attempting to lose weight need be empowered to make adequate desirable behavioral changes.

Highlights

Current understanding of the associations between actual body weight status, weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices among low-income urban African American adolescents is limited
Some researchers have argued that some level of body dissatisfaction may be beneficial for individuals with average or above-average weight, as it may lead to healthy weight management behaviors such as increased intake of fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity [11,12]
FCiognucreept1ual framework: Body weight, perceived weight status, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices* Conceptual framework: Body weight, perceived weight status, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices*. *NOTE: The present study is not aimed to examine the impact of the "other factors" due to its scope and our available data

Summary

Introduction

Current understanding of the associations between actual body weight status, weight perception, body dissatisfaction, and weight control practices among low-income urban African American adolescents is limited. Body weight perception is a strong determinant of nutritional habits and weight management practices among adolescents [3,4]. Body dissatisfaction is common in many adolescents in the United States, especially in adolescent girls [5]. This concern may have a number of adverse effects on their physical and psychosocial development and well-being [6,7,8,9,10]. Some researchers have argued that some level of body dissatisfaction may be beneficial for individuals with average or above-average weight, as it may lead to healthy weight management behaviors such as increased intake of fruits and vegetables and regular physical activity [11,12]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion