Abstract
The aims of the current study were to explore possible gender differences in weight misperception, self-reported physical fitness, and dieting, and to analyze the relationship between these variables and others, such as self-esteem, body appreciation, general mental health, and eating- and body image-related variables among adolescents. In addition, the specific risk for eating disorders was examined, as well as the possible clusters with respect to the risk status. The sample comprised 655 students, 313 females and 342 males, aged 16.22 ± 4.58. Different scales of perceived overweight, self-reported physical fitness and dieting together with the Body Mass Index (BMI) were considered along with instruments such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Self-Esteem Scale (SES), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) and Eating Disorders Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Since some gender differences were found with respect to these adolescent groups, it is necessary to design prevention programs that not only focus on traditional factors such as BMI or body image, but also on elements like weight perception, self-reported fitness and nutritional education.
Highlights
In the last few years, overweight-obesity during childhood and adolescence has risen and its stigma has worsened [1]
Misperception has repeatedly been documented among overweight and obese adults, and it has been hypothesized that weight misperception among overweight and obese individuals may preclude the adoption of healthful attitudes and behaviors, perhaps as a result of lower weight loss motivation
Some evidence indicates that weight misperception among overweight and obese individuals might be associated with healthful behaviors [12,13]
Summary
In the last few years, overweight-obesity during childhood and adolescence has risen and its stigma has worsened [1]. In Western countries— how it has been studied in our Spanish context—there exists a negative perception of obese people [2]. Weight perception and misperception may influence the healthy or unhealthy behaviors people engage in [11]. Overweight and obese individuals who consider their weight healthy, for example, might not try to lose weight and might be less inclined to eat healthfully and to be physically active [12]. Some evidence indicates that weight misperception among overweight and obese individuals might be associated with healthful behaviors (e.g., better diet quality, more physical activity, and less sedentary behavior) [12,13]. Perceiving oneself as overweight-obese is relevant given the association between that perception and unhealthy weight-control behaviors [11]. Previous research suggests that overweight misperception varies according to gender—among other variables—as females tend to perceive themselves as overweight to a greater degree than males do, even at the same measured
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