Body Weight Perception Research Articles

Action Sounds Informing Own Body Perception Influence Gender Identity and Social Cognition.

Sensory information can temporarily affect mental body representations. For example, in Virtual Reality (VR), visually swapping into a body with another sex can temporarily alter perceived gender identity. Outside of VR, real-time auditory changes to walkers’ footstep sounds can affect perceived body weight and masculinity/femininity. Here, we investigate whether altered footstep sounds also impact gender identity and relation to gender groups. In two experiments, cisgender participants (26 females, 26 males) walked with headphones which played altered versions of their own footstep sounds that sounded more typically male or female. Baseline and post-intervention measures quantified gender identity [Implicit Association Test (IAT)], relation to gender groups [Inclusion of the Other-in-the-Self (IOS)], and perceived masculinity/femininity. Results show that females felt more feminine and closer to the group of women (IOS) directly after walking with feminine sounding footsteps. Similarly, males felt more feminine after walking with feminine sounding footsteps and associated themselves relatively stronger with “female” (IAT). The findings suggest that gender identity is temporarily malleable through auditory-induced own body illusions. Furthermore, they provide evidence for a connection between body perception and an abstract representation of the Self, supporting the theory that bodily illusions affect social cognition through changes in the self-concept.

How do Mothers Explain the Causes of Childhood Obesity? Community-Based Approach in Preschool Centers

ABSTRACT Parental behaviors and attitudes are effective in health outcomes of children. Obesity among children has been found to be related with limited nutrition knowledge and unhealthy eating and habits. Therefore, this study identified the causes and factors associated with obesity among children and revealed their own routines from the perspective of mothers. Content analysis was used in the current qualitative research. Potential and eligible participants were selected by visiting four preschool centers in Sarab, Iran. The height and weight of 113 children aged 5–6 years were measured by standard scales, along with calculating their body mass index. The mothers of children at or above the 50th percentile were invited to appointments for interviews in the preschool centers. Then, 37 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were carried out with mothers and analyzed by two independent researchers manually. The factors associated with obesity in preschool children were categorized into four main themes, including insufficient physical activity, poor perception of body weight, unhealthy behavioral habits, and genetic factors. The mothers did not consider their children at risk of becoming overweight, as their perceived sensitivity was low. The results of this study can be supportive in designing family and parent-centered interventions to control obesity among children.

Body weight perception outweighs body weight when predicting shame, criticism, depression and anxiety for lower BMI range and higher BMI range adults.

This study examined the relationship between body weight shame, self-criticism and mental health for individuals across body weight ranges. In total 1695 participants completed a series of online measures and we used Structural Equation Modelling, to assess for the relationship between weight, perceived weight, social rank (social comparison, body weight shame, submissiveness) self-criticism (inadequate and self-hatred) and anxious and depressive symptoms. Results indicated that perceived body weight is more important than actual body weight in predicting body weight shame. Importantly, individuals classified in higher BMI ranges rely more on the self-hatred form of self-criticism which significantly predicts anxious and depressive symptoms.

Body Satisfaction in Early Adolescence: A Multisite Comparison

PurposeThis study assesses the relationship between unequal gender perceptions, socioecological factors, and body satisfaction among early adolescents in six urban poor settings in four countries. MethodsA cross-sectional study, part of the Global Early Adolescent Study, was conducted in Shanghai, China; Cuenca, Ecuador; Kinshasa, DRC; and three cities in Indonesia: Denpasar, Semarang, and Bandar Lampung. Bivariate and multiple linear regressions were conducted to assess the relationships between body satisfaction, perceptions of gender norms, and socioecological factors. A final sample of 7840 respondents aged between 10 and 14 years were included in the analysis. ResultsAdolescents who endorsed more traditional sex roles and traits were more likely to be satisfied with their bodies in Kinshasa and Indonesia, while only endorsement of GST was associated with body satisfaction in Shanghai. Individual factors related to body satisfaction varied by site and included perceived health status, perception of body weight, height, and growth rate. Family and neighborhood factors related to increased body satisfaction varied by site and sex and included closeness to parents, parental communication, discussing bodily changes with anyone, parental awareness, and perception of neighborhood. ConclusionThe results highlight the association between gender norms and social factors at individual, family, and neighborhood levels with body satisfaction. While associations differ significantly by site and sex, namely in perception of body weight and height, there exists commonalities that suggest body satisfaction, gender norms, and social context are intertwined.

Body perceptions and weight control behaviors among Palestinian University female students: a cross-sectional study

AimThis study aimed to assess weight control behaviors and their relationship with body weight and image perceptions among female university students.Subject and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among female students. The study included 420 female students aged 17–27 years using a convenient sample. Students were invited from all faculties. The data collection tools included a questionnaire, body image perceptions scale, and measurement scale for weight and height.ResultsOf the participants, 154 (36.9%) female students (95% CI 32–41%) had risky eating behaviors and reported a significant level of concern about diet and weight. In general, most of the study sample were dissatisfied with their bodies; in particular, 55.7% of participants were suffering from negative body image, while 24.5% showed a positive body image. Approximately one-third (31.8%) of underweight university students participated in risky eating behavior compared to 36.3% and 44.4% in normal weight and overweight and obese groups, respectively. The logistic regression analysis revealed that weight control behaviors were mainly associated with the perception of body image.ConclusionThe results showed a high level of concern about food and weight by the female students. Additionally, it showed that they are prone to risky eating behaviors. Therefore, interventions are needed to promote healthy eating behaviors and body image among university students.

Differences in Body Weight Perception Among Nutrition and Non-nutrition Students Enrolled in a General Nutrition Course at the University of Rhode Island

ObjectivesResearch shows that students in healthcare fields have distorted perceptions of their bodies, specifically regarding their weight status. Nutrition majors are important to consider, given their future careers require them to assess others’ weight statuses and provide relevant diet recommendations. The main aims of this secondary analysis were to compare accuracy of nutrition versus non-nutrition majors’ body weight perception to their measured body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage (BFP). It was hypothesized that nutrition majors will more accurately classify their weight relative to their BMI and BFP compared to non-nutrition majors due to their knowledge of weight classifications. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 188 non-nutrition (77% female; BMI 24.14 ± 5.46; BFP 26.30 ± 9.70) and 108 nutrition (83% female; BMI 23.78 ± 3.75; BFP 25.45 ± 8.39) majors enrolled in a general nutrition class and completed a nutrition assessment survey that included the multiple-choice question: “How would YOU describe your current weight?”. Categories were underweight, healthy weight, or overweight. Height was measured by a calibrated stadiometer. Weight and body composition were assessed by In-Body 770. BMI and BFP were categorized as underweight, healthy weight, or overweight according to the In-Body reference guidelines. Difference in accuracy of nutrition versus non-nutrition majors’ body weight perceptions were analyzed by independent t-tests. Data are expressed as means ± standard deviations. ResultsOf the 296 students, 28% misperceived their weight status relative to BMI and 40% misperceived their weight status relative to BFP. Of the 28%, 55 students perceived their weight as lower than (30% nutrition) and 25 students perceived their weight as higher than (52% nutrition) their measured BMI. Of the 40%, 86 students perceived their weight as lower than (24% nutrition) and 31 students perceived their weight as higher than (48% nutrition) their measured BFP. Nutrition majors had more accurate perceptions of their weight status relative to measured BFP than non-majors (–0.06 ± 0.58; –.27 ± 0.62; P = 0.004). ConclusionsWhen perceptions were inaccurate, most students perceived themselves as a healthier weight than their measured BMI and BFP indicated. Nutrition majors’ perceptions relative to BFP were more accurate than non-majors. Funding SourcesNone.

English

BACKGROUND Obesity is being designated as a global epidemic by the world health organisation. The problem of obesity is confined not only to adults but also to children and adolescents. Various studies also indicate that the prevalence of overweight and obesity amongst children of all ages is increasing in developing countries in the past few decades. The present study was undertaken to find the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents 13 to 17 years of age in urban wards under Government Medical College Health Unit, Thiruvananthapuram. METHODS A cross-sectional study with a sample size of 1100 selected through multistage random sampling was conducted. Physical measurements as well as data regarding sociodemographic variables, dietary behaviour, physical activity, perception of body weight, and awareness regarding overweight and obesity were obtained using a pretested semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done, followed by bivariate and multivariate analysis to find out the major determinants of overweight and obesity. RESULTS The prevalence of overweight among adolescents aged 13 - 17 years attending schools under the medical college health unit area was found to be 11.3 % and that of obesity was 3.5 %. Girls had a slightly higher prevalence of overweight (12.3 %) as compared to boys (10.2 %) in the same age group of 13 - 17 years. Prevalence of overweight / obesity is found to be significantly associated with higher socioeconomic status, increased time spent on TV (more than 8 hours a week), increased intake of fatty foods like fish fry and chicken, family history of overweight, and mode of conveyance to school using motor vehicles. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight and obesity continues to increase even after improving our schools with more playtime periods and giving health education on healthy eating practices. Balancing interventions are of utmost necessity. There is an equal proportion of students who are underweight especially in the schools of government sector.

Body size ideals and body satisfaction among Dutch-origin and African-origin residents of Amsterdam: The HELIUS study.

Obesity is highly prevalent among ethnic minorities and acceptance of larger body sizes may put these ethnic minorities at risk of obesity. This study aimed to examine body size ideals and body satisfaction in relation to body weight, in two Sub-Saharan African (SSA)-origin groups in the Netherlands compared to the Dutch. Additionally, in the two SSA-origin groups, this study assessed the mediating role of acculturation in the relation between ethnicity and body size ideals and body satisfaction. Dutch, African Surinamese and Ghanaians living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, participated in the observational HELIUS study (n = 10,854). Body size ideals were assessed using a validated nine figure scale. Body satisfaction was calculated as the concordance of current with ideal figure. Acculturation was only assessed among SSA-origin participants and acculturation proxies included age of migration, residence duration, ethnic identity and social network. Weight and height were measured using standardised protocols. SSA-origin women and Ghanaian men had larger body size ideals compared to the Dutch; e.g. Surinamese and Ghanaian women had 0.37 (95%CI 0.32; 0.43) and 0.70 (95%CI 0.63; 0.78) larger body size ideals compared to Dutch women. SSA-origin participants were more often satisfied with their weight compared to the Dutch. Similarly, SSA-origin participants had more than twice the odds of being satisfied/preferring a larger figure compared to the Dutch (e.g. BSurinamese men 2.44, 95%CI 1.99; 2.99). Within the two SSA-origin groups, most acculturation proxies mediated the relation between ethnicity and body size ideals in women. Limited evidence of mediation was found for the outcome body satisfaction. Public health strategies promoting a healthy weight may need to be differentiated according to sex and ethnic differences in body weight perception. Factors other than acculturation may underlie the ethnic differences between African Surinamese and Ghanaians in obesity.

Trends in Eating Habits and Body Weight Status, Perception Patterns and Management Practices among First-Year Students of Kaunas (Lithuania) Universities, 2000-2017.

Students’ transition from high school to university is accompanied by lifestyle changes. This study aimed to assess trends in students’ body weight status, perception, management practices and eating habits from 2000 to 2017. Three cross-sectional surveys were carried out among the first-year students of five Kaunas (Lithuania) universities in 2000, 2010 and 2017. The self-administered questionnaires were filled in during lectures. Altogether, 3275 students aged 20.0 (1.5) years participated in the survey. The prevalence of self-reported overweight increased among male students from 11.3% in 2000 to 24.3% in 2017 and female students from 5.2 to 9.6%. The intake frequency of fruits, vegetables and cereals increased, and red meat decreased. At a normal BMI, more female than male students perceived themselves as being ‘too fat’ (19.4% and 8.8% in 2017), while more male than female students perceived themselves as being ‘too thin’ (37.2% and 4.5% in 2017). More females than males were dissatisfied with their weight, worried about gaining weight and tried to lose weight. Weight-management practices were associated with body weight, self-perception, dissatisfaction, worries about weight gain and eating behaviours. Our study highlights the need for interventions to increase the accuracy of weight perception and to promote the appropriate weight-management methods, addressing gender differences.

A Study of Physical Activity Behaviour During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background- The COVID-19 restrictions curtailed various physical activities whose effects are unfortunate because daily exercise may help combat the disease by boosting our immune systems and counteracting some of the co-morbidities that make us more susceptible to severe COVID-19 illness. Objectives- To study the physical activity behaviour, levels and its relationship with personal variables during COVID 19 lockdown, and to explore the differences between the inactive and active group respondents in terms of physical activity preferences, motivating and restricting factors. Materials and Methods- Cross sectional descriptive online survey (google forms) design was used and snowball sampling method was used to reach the respondents. Questionnaire consisted of four parts; 1) Demographics, 2) Occupation, Screen and Sleep behaviour, 3) Physical Activity behaviour, 4) Preferred physical activities, restricting and motivating factors to do any physical activity. To study the TPA OPA, MV-LTPA and HHPA were considered. Results and DiscussionA total of 400 respondents (male 56.2, female 43.2%)) were eligible for the analysis, majority (93.6%) of them were young adults (18-38) involved in sedentary to light occupation (95.3%).Sedentary behavior in occupation was doubled (80%) as compared to pre COVID situation (42.5%). Majority of the respondents reported an increase in screen and sleep time. On calculating TPA ~33% of the respondents were found in each group; inactive, active and very active. Majority of them were performing pa for <150m/w in each domain i.e. OPA, MV-LTPA and HHPA. Significant difference was found between male and female, of all the three domains, in their physical activity group whereas no significant difference was found in their TPA group. Significant association was found between physical activity groups in terms of considering physical activity benefits, change in post COVID physical activity, and their self reported type of physical activity. Significant association was found between male and female respondents in terms of their BMI and perceived Body weight whereas no association was found between physical activity groups in terms of their BMI and body weight perception. Family/friends and health benefits were the most motivating factors for the majority of respondents whereas social distancing norms and lack of motivation were reported as restricting factors in doing physical activity. Conclusion- It can be concluded that physical activity among people was low even before the COVID-19 pandemic, this pandemic acted as a catalyst in promoting sedentary behavior

Sex differences in weight perception and weight gain among Black college students in the USA.

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of overweight/obesity and to explore sex differences in body weight perceptions and correlates of weight gain among Black students at 2 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the USA.MethodsParticipants completed a paper-based survey, and their height and weight were measured (67% completion rate).ResultsThe overweight and obesity rates were 33.8% and 26.9%, respectively. More females than males accurately assessed their weight (p<0.05). Body weight underestimation was associated with male sex, excellent/very good perceived overall health, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p<0.01). Higher odds of ≥5% weight gain were related to female sex, living on campus, and not being informed by a doctor of having overweight or obesity (p<0.05).ConclusionGiven the high overweight and obesity rates among Black students, HBCUs in the USA should develop intervention strategies for the prevention and management of overweight and obesity. College health educators at HBCUs need to provide regular check-ups or health screenings that help male students perceive their weight accurately and prevent weight underestimation. It is important for HBCUs to monitor and address weight gain among Black students as early as possible.

"This cage that I'm stuck inside": Autistic adults' perceptions of weight management, body weight, and body image.

Our beliefs and feelings about our bodies and our body weight influence our weight management behaviors, such as physical activity and eating behaviors. These beliefs and feelings are largely shaped by how we interact with, and compare ourselves to, people in our lives. Due to the social traits associated with autism, autistic adults may have different perceptions of body weight, body image, and weight management than neurotypical adults. To explore this, for the first time, we interviewed 11 autistic adults. The participants' perceptions can be summarized in four findings. First, the participants viewed overweight and obesity as just one part of their overall health. Participants described how their mental health and physical health, including overweight/obesity, were closely connected. Second, some traits related to autism made weight management difficult; for example, eating and physical activity were negatively impacted by social anxiety, sensory sensitivity, obsessiveness, and a strong desire for routine. Third, participants were generally dissatisfied with how they looked. This was primarily due to a disconnect between how they felt their body looked and how it actually looked in real life. Other people, including on social media, also negatively influenced how they perceived themselves. Fourth, and finally, participants described how they got most of their weight management-related information online. Medical professionals were frequently described as being unprepared to provide them assistance related to weight management.

Prospective BMI changes in preschool children are associated with parental characteristics and body weight perceptions: the ToyBox-study.

To examine the effect of the intervention implemented in the ToyBox-study on changes observed in age- and sex-specific BMI percentile and investigate the role of perinatal factors, parental perceptions and characteristics on this change. A multicomponent, kindergarten-based, family-involved intervention with a cluster-randomised design. A standardised protocol was used to measure children's body weight and height. Information was also collected from parents/caregivers via the use of validated questionnaires. Linear mixed effect models with random intercept for country, socio-economic status and school were used. Selected preschools within the provinces of Oost-Flanders and West-Flanders (Belgium), Varna (Bulgaria), Bavaria (Germany), Attica (Greece), Mazowieckie (Poland) and Zaragoza (Spain). A sample of 6268 preschoolers aged 3·5-5·5 years (51·9 % boys). There was no intervention effect on the change in children's BMI percentile. However, parents' underestimation of their children's actual weight status, parental overweight and mothers' pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were found to be significantly and independently associated with increases in children's BMI percentile in multivariate modelling. As part of a wide public health initiative or as part of a counseling intervention programme, it is important to assist parents/caregivers to correctly perceive their own and their children's weight status. Recognition of excessive weight by parents/caregivers can increase their readiness to change and as such facilitate higher adherence to favourable behavioural changes within the family.

Body Weight Perception and Health-Related Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents: Mediating Effects of Body Weight Control Behaviors.

This study examined mediating effects of body weight control behaviors in the relationship between body weight perception and health-related behaviors among 11,458 U.S. adolescents from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey. Parallel multiple mediation analysis was performed for the secondary data analysis. Nearly one third of adolescents (32.5%) had overweight or obesity; one quarter (25.0%) perceived themselves as slightly overweight and 5.1% thought they were very overweight. More girls (58.6%) had tried to lose weight than boys (32.3%), while boys were more physically active than girls. Healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors significantly mediated the relationship between adolescents' body weight perception and health-related behaviors (physical activity and screen time). Teachers and parents should help adolescents have accurate weight perception and utilize reliable and healthy weight control strategies. Future studies should consider the intercorrelated relationships among adolescents' perceptions and behaviors regarding weight to provide successful weight control intervention programs.

Cognitive insight is associated with perceived body weight in overweight and obese adults

BackgroundAccurate perception of body weight is necessary for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) to initiate strategies to improve their health status. Furthermore, identifying factors that influence accurate body weight perception can assist in designing appropriate educational and weight management programs. We therefore aimed to investigate whether levels of cognitive functioning and insight influence the ability to correctly judge body weight.MethodsOne hundred and eighty four overweight and obese adults who participated in a cross- sectional case-control study and were controls in the aforementioned study were included. The study was conducted in Cape Town, South Africa. Demographic, weight-related, neuropsychiatric, neurocognitive and cognitive insight measures were administered. Regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors associated with correct weight perception.ResultsThe final regression model explained 52.3% of variation in accurate perception of body weight and was significant (p ≤ 0. 001). The model correctly classified 79.3% of individuals who were able to correctly and incorrectly judge their weight. Adults with higher BMI, and lower self-certainty, those who reported that they had gained weight in the previous year and those who were told by a healthcare professional to lose or maintain a healthy weight were more likely to correctly judge their weight.ConclusionSome aspects of cognitive insight (self-certainty) but not cognitive functioning were associated with perception of body weight in this sample. Awareness of recent weight changes, higher BMI and advice from of health care professionals were also significantly associated with perception of body weight, while demographic variables were not. Understanding the factors that contribute to the correct perception of weight is important in identifying appropriate health interventions that may address the burden of associated non-communicable diseases in overweight and obese individuals.

The Relationship between Restrained Eating, Body Image, and Dietary Intake among University Students in China: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aims to explore the association between restrained eating, body image, and dietary intake among Chinese college students. This cross-sectional study included 1301 college students at two universities in Hunan Province. Electronic questionnaires were used to collect information including students’ demographic characteristics, restrained eating, perception of body weight, body satisfaction, and dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements were collected to calculate body mass index (BMI). The prevalence of high restrained eating was 52.8%. Students who were dissatisfied with their bodies or overestimated their body weight showed a higher tendency toward high restrained eating (p < 0.05). Students with high restrained eating tended to eat fruits and eggs more frequently, while the frequency of eating domestic animals and poultry, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fast food were the opposite. Moreover, high restrained eating was a risk factor for low dietary diversity (odds ratio (OR) = 1.384, 95% confidence interval: 1.002~1.912). The high incidence of restrained eating among Chinese college students and its energy-restricted diets that may lead to possible health implications require attention. Further studies are needed to investigate the characteristics of college students’ restrained eating to tailor appropriate interventions for forming positive body images and promoting healthy eating behaviors, thus, improving dietary quality.

Body weight perception and depressive symptoms in Chinese college students

Depressive disorder among college students is a prominent issue. Recent evidence indicates that body weight perception (BWP) is, in addition to body mass index (BMI), associated with mental health in adolescents. This study used data from a large-scale, national survey of college students in China to examine the overall relationship between BWP and depressive symptoms and its variation across BMI-classified subgroups: the underweight (BMI < 18.5), the normal-weight (18.5 ≤ BMI < 25), and the overweight (BMI ≥ 25). Depressive symptoms were evaluated using a 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D). BWP was measured by asking “What do you think of your weight status?” Response options include “underweight”, “normal weight”, and “overweight”. In both the overall sample and the normal-weight subsamples, perceived overweight was linked to significant depressive symptoms for men and women, while perceived underweight was linked to depressive symptoms only in men. In the underweight subsample, perceived normal-weight or overweight was associated with depressive symptoms for women. In the overweight subsample, perceived normal-weight was associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms for men. The results showed the importance of BWP in predicting depressive symptoms of college students. In-campus health education programs tailored to differential BMI and gender groups can be specifically designed to improve the psychological wellbeing of young adults.

Mental health of people with distorted body weight perception using medicinal remedies: A representative study

Background/ObjectiveWe aimed to examine the prevalence of distorted body weight perception (BWP) and the choice of weight control strategies to investigate the associations between the psychological features and the different strategies for controlling body weight. Method: We used a representative nationwide 39-item survey to randomly select 1,000 participants. The extrapolated number (eN) to the whole national population was also reported. Self-BWP, weight control strategies, and obesity-related psychological conditions including anxiety, self-esteem, body satisfaction, obesity-related quality-of-life (QoL), and eating attitudes were assessed. Results: Among men, 39.30% (eN = 5,887,137) underestimated, whereas 24.90% (eN = 3,290,847) of women overestimated their weight. In contrast to 2% (eN = 271,745) of men, 15.20% (eN = 2,012,262) of women sought medical support to control their weight. Men and women who used medical support for weight management and women who overestimated their weight reported the most unfavorable psychological conditions (anxiety, self-esteem, body satisfaction, QoL, and eating attitudes; p < .05). Conclusions: A prevalent burden of psychological problems related to distorted BWP and weight control strategies was revealed. People with distorted BWP and using medical procedures for their weight control could be at a higher risk of psychological disorders. Therefore, body weight-related psychological problems call for urgent public health policies.

Experiences and perceptions of body weight among Turkish immigrant women in Norway

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore beliefs and experiences of Turkish immigrant women in Norway related to body weight, nutrition and exercise practices.Design/methodology/approachThis study has a qualitative research design. Ten semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted with a purposive sample of Turkish immigrant women residing in Oslo, Norway. Themes were identified in the transcripts using systematic text condensation.FindingsParticipants viewed Turkish women as more commonly overweight or obese compared to Norwegian women. Weight was discussed openly among Turkish women and a preference to lose weight, both as individuals and among community members more broadly, also emerged. For participants, this represented a generational shift. Participants identified their barriers to weight loss, including norms around socialization and food in their community and exercise and eating practices during the long Nordic winter.Practical implicationsParticipants expressed a tension between concern about health impacts of overweight and obesity and the desire to uphold cultural practices around food. Weight-related health-care initiatives for Turkish immigrant women can take into account such experiences shaped by their interaction with multiple cultures.Originality/valueParticipants emphasized that perspectives about weight in their Turkish immigrant community were influenced by the transition toward thin weight ideals in Turkey. Self-image regarding weight was also situated within the context of being immigrants in Norway.

Parental perceptions of actual and ideal body weight in early childhood prospectively predict adolescent perceptions of actual and ideal body weight among a low-income population.

To examine the longitudinal associations between parental perceptions of their child's actual weight (PPCA = parental perception of child's actual) and ideal weight (PPCI = parental perception of child ideal) in early childhood and the child's own perceptions of their actual weight (APA = adolescent perceived actual) and ideal weight (API = adolescent perceived ideal) during early adolescence among a low-income population. Using a longitudinal study design, 136 child/parent pairs were asked to assess the child's actual and ideal weight using figure rating scales. When children were 4-7years old, parents reported on their perception of their child's weight; when children were 10-12years old, the child reported on their own weight perceptions. Actual weight, ideal weight, and the difference between ideal and actual weight perception were assessed at the respective timepoints. Regressions were used to examine the relationship between parental weight perceptions (PPCA and PPCI) and later adolescent weight perception (APA and API). On average, PPCI was higher than PPCA, whereas API was lower than APA. We found a positive relationship between PPCI and API (β = 0.309, p = .029). PPCA was positively associated with API (β = 0.304, p = .015) and marginally positively associated with the APA (β = 0.242, p = .077). However, the difference between PPCI and PPCA did not predict either APA or API. Parental perception of their child's weight may relate to the adolescent's weight perception, particularly ideal weight. However, several null and marginal associations suggest that parental weight perception in early childhood may not be the most salient factor in determining weight perception in early adolescence. Level III, well-designed longitudinal cohort study.