Weight Perception Research Articles

Elements of Weight Management Among Pre-Kidney Transplant Candidates: The Patient Perspective

Obesity and related comorbidities heighten risks for complications in kidney transplant settings. While pre-transplant patients often have access to nutrition counseling and health support, literature is limited on patients' perceptions of weight and motivation to lose weight prior to transplantation. We conducted a survey among ≥18-year-old patients on the kidney transplant waitlist at a single center. Questions addressed weight perception, motivation for weight loss, available resources, and engagement in physical activity. Medical records provided demographic and clinical data. Statistical tests analyzed quantitative data, while free-text responses were thematically grouped and described. Of 1055 patients, 291 responded and were matched with demographic data. Perceived weight changes correlated with actual changes in body mass index (BMI) (<24.9) were more receptive to weight center resources (<30 kg/m2) are most interested in weight loss resources and demonstrate motivation. Furthermore, pre-transplant nutrition counseling correlates with healthier behaviors. Integrating patients’ perspectives enhances pre-transplant protocols by encouraging active involvement in health decisions.

Perception of Body Weight and Nutritional Status in Adolescents in Northeastern Mexico

Objetivo: Evaluar la percepción del peso corporal en adolescentes e identificar predictores del estado nutricional. Método: Diseño descriptivo, correlacional. La población estuvo conformada por estudiantes de una institución educativa pública seleccionada de forma aleatoria, ubicada en el noreste de México. La muestra fue de 851 adolescentes que cursaban entre el 7º y 9º grado de educación básica inscritos en la institución educativa seleccionada. Se evalúo la satisfacción con el peso corporal mediante las figuras de Stunkard y Sørensen. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas (peso y talla) y se calculó el IMC. Resultados: El 18.8 % (n= 160) y 19.1% (n= 163) de los participantes presentaron sobrepeso y obesidad, respectivamente; el 21.6 % (n= 185) pertenecen al sexo masculino y 16.3 % (n= 138) al femenino. Por otro lado, el 67.5 % (n= 574) de los participantes reportó insatisfacción corporal, es decir el 45.2 % (n= 384) desea estar más delegado(a), lo cual es más frecuente en participantes del sexo femenino. La insatisfacción con el peso corporal (?= -2.62, p= .001), edad (?= .29, p= .020) y sexo (?= -.642, p= .005) influyen en el IMC de los adolescentes Conclusiones: La edad, sexo y la percepción del peso corporal son predictores del índice de masa corporal en los adolescentes del estudio.

New evidence for the sensorimotor mismatch theory of weight perception and the size-weight illusion

The size-weight illusion is a phenomenon where a smaller object is perceived heavier than an equally weighted larger object. The sensorimotor mismatch theory proposed that this illusion occurs because of a mismatch between efferent motor commands and afferent sensory feedback received when lifting large and small objects (i.e., the application of too little and too much lifting force, respectively). This explanation has been undermined by studies demonstrating a separation between the perceived weight of objects and the lifting forces that are applied on them. However, this research suffers from inconsistencies in the choice of lifting force measures reported. Therefore, we examined the contribution of sensorimotor mismatch in the perception of weight in the size-weight illusion and in non-size-weight illusion stimuli and evaluated the use of a lifting force aggregate measure comprising the four most common lifting force measures used in previous research. In doing so, the sensorimotor mismatch theory was mostly supported. In a size-weight illusion experiment, the lifting forces correlated with weight perception and, contrary to some earlier research, did not adapt over time. In a non-size-weight illusion experiment, switches between lifting light and heavy objects resulted in perceiving the weight of these objects differently compared to no switch trials, which mirrored differences in the manner participants applied forces on the objects. Additionally, we reveal that our force aggregate measure can allow for a more sensitive and objective examination of the effects of lifting forces on objects.

Body evaluation in men: the role of body weight dissatisfaction in appearance evaluation, eating, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology.

Body image dissatisfaction is a significant concern among men, influencing appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology. However, research on these correlations is notably deficient in men, largely because body image concerns are unevenly distributed between genders. Therefore, this study aims to assess the various dimensions of concerns about body image in men and explore their associations with characteristics such as sexual orientation. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 adult men from fitness centers in the Veneto Region, Italy. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Appearance Schemas Inventory-Revised (ASI-R), and the Muscle Dysmorphic Disorder Inventory (MDDI). Body weight perception and dissatisfaction were evaluated using a Figure Rating Scale (FRS) with 12 male biometric silhouettes. Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the experienced levels of body weight dissatisfaction: those who rated a smaller body (BWsmaller), those who rated a larger body (BWlarger) more highly relative to their own estimated body size, and those who reported implicit neutrality with their current weight (BWneu). BWsmaller participants reported higher levels of eating-related concern, while BWlarger participants exhibited higher levels of muscle dysmorphia. Additionally, the BWlarger group showed the highest degree of quantitative perceptual underestimation of their body weight. Sexual orientation was found to have an impact on body weight dissatisfaction, with bisexual men more likely to desire an increase in weight and gay men more likely to desire a decrease. Body weight dissatisfaction significantly impacts appearance evaluation, eating behaviors, and muscle dysmorphia psychopathology in males. Tailored interventions that consider individual differences can support the well-being of men. The study provides useful insight into male body image issues, warranting further exploration to inform effective interventions and promote positive body image and mental health in this population.

Fewer Feedback Opportunities and Health Perception of Gastric Cancer Survivors: Opportunities for Patient Education.

This study aimed to estimate the impact of having fewer opportunities for patient education on health perception of gastric cancer survivors by examining quality-of-life (QoL) responses from patients who had been away for chemotherapy for a year. The full-surveillance (FullSV) group was comprised of gastric cancer survivors with stage I cancer who completed preoperative and postoperative 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-month surveillances. The returning (RTN) group was comprised of 1-year survivors of stage II cancer who had been away for chemotherapy for a year. Surveillance periods were utilized to provide patient education about expected postoperative weight changes. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaires were used to assess QoL. The study included a total of 278 patients (243 in the FullSV group and 35 in the RTN group). The baseline QoL was not significantly different between the groups. Significant differences in postoperative QoL were revealed by some scales (global health status/QoL, physical functioning, fatigue, financial difficulties, anxiety, dry mouth, and body image), all in favor of the FullSV group. Despite no significant difference in their actual weight changes, stronger weight dissatisfaction was revealed among the RTN group. Patients with fewer educational inputs for postoperative adjustment of weight perception were the ones with stronger dissatisfaction about current weight. The health perception of cancer survivors is under the constant influence of clinician feedback during patient education. For the best cancer survivorship care, sufficient opportunities for adjustment of health perception through patient education need to be ensured.

The burden of overweight/obesity and weight-related behaviors attributable to food addiction in emerging adults

While food addiction has been positively associated with excess weight and disordered eating behaviors, this has not been examined in representative samples of emerging adults, who are at elevated risk for these outcomes. This study investigated relationships of food addiction with weight outcomes, weight perception, and weight-control behaviors in emerging adults and estimated the population attributable fraction to food addiction. Data from an observational cohort study were collected in seven annual waves from 2010 to 2016. A nationally representative sample of 2785 10th grade students was recruited from schools within each U.S. census region (73% participation) (mean ± SD baseline age = 16.3 ± 0.5years). Wave 7 retention was 81% (n = 2323, 60% female, mean ± SD = 22.6 ± 0.5 years). Outcomes included current BMI, BMI change from baseline – wave 7, increased weight status in wave 7 (increased weight status from baseline-wave 7), perceived overweight, dieting, any weight-control behavior, and extreme weight-control behaviors. Food addiction was measured in wave 7 using the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale. Relative risk of the outcomes associated with food addiction, and population attributable fraction, were estimated using adjusted log-binomial or robust Poisson regression analyses accounting for the complex survey design. Food addiction prevalence was 4.7%. Participants with food addiction were primarily females (91%); food addiction was uncorrelated with other sociodemographics. Food addiction was associated with 48%–167% increased RR for all outcomes, but these were attenuated after adjustment for confounders (31%–64%). The population attributable fraction for food addiction ranged from 2% (high wave 7 BMI) – 5% (extreme weight-control behaviors). Although the population attributable fraction estimates indicate that the public health burden of these outcomes attributable to food addiction may be relatively minor, food addiction may signal the presence of several adverse mental health symptoms.

Changing eating to manage weight or shape: A cross-sectional and prospective study of the prevalence and correlates in a large Canadian adolescent cohort

ObjectiveThe present study examined reports of changing eating to manage weight/shape over one year among adolescents. It also tested how changing eating for weight/shape was associated with physical activity (resistance training, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity; MVPA) and mental health (depressive symptoms, flourishing), and whether weight perceptions moderated these associations. MethodsParticipants were Canadian adolescents (N = 20,614, Mage ± SD = 14.4 ± 1.3, 52.9% girls) who completed self-report surveys in the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 waves of the COMPASS study. Separate multilevel models were tested for each outcome. ResultsApproximately 30% of adolescents reported changing their eating to manage weight/shape at least once a week. More days of changing eating were associated with significantly higher depressive symptoms and lower flourishing cross-sectionally (b = 0.51, b = −0.27) and over time (b = 0.35, −0.20); the flourishing association over time was weaker for adolescents who perceived themselves as overweight relative to about right. More days of changing eating were also associated with more MVPA and resistance training cross-sectionally (b = 2.81, b = 0.19) and over time (b = 1.28, b = 10). The relationship between changing eating and MVPA over time was stronger for adolescents who perceived themselves as overweight relative to about right; whereas the cross-sectional relationship between changing eating and resistance training was weaker. ConclusionsReports of changing eating to manage weight/shape were associated with divergent health outcomes; research into how and to what extreme adolescents are changing eating to manage weight/shape, and identity factors that may contribute to these differences, is warranted.

Weight perception and weight management via information nudges

Being overweight or obese is a serious public health problem. Misperception of one's own weight status and inertia are major obstacles to weight control. To overcome these two problems, we conduct a randomized controlled trial in which participants are presented with the correct weight category based on their body mass index to remove any weight misperception, and then given six biweekly reminders about healthy diet and physical activity via SMS/email. We find that our intervention reduces individuals’ weight misperception and encourages healthier dietary choices. However, it has little impact on their physical activity. We further show that people who were obese and those who underestimated their weight status in the baseline survey maintain healthier dietary choices for at least six months after the intervention.

Factors Associated With Suicide Risk Behavior Outcomes Among Black Middle School Adolescents

Early adolescent self-identifying Black youth present with high rates of suicidality. This study assesses associations among 7 explanatory variables (sex, weapon carrying, weight perceptions, grades, grade level, bullying at school, and cyberbullying) and suicide ideation, planning, and attempts, and identifies associations with suicidality as a composite measure among a sample of Black middle school adolescents (BMSA) in the United States. Data were extracted from the 2019 Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations between suicide ideation, planning, and attempts were explored. A network graphical representation of polychoric and tetrachoric correlations across suicidality outcomes and explanatory variables was performed. A multivariable, multinomial logistic regression model estimated associations among explanatory variables and suicide ideation (with and without planning) and planning (with and without ideation). Both suicide attempt and a composite suicidality metric were explored using independent logistic models with multiple imputation. The sample included 7,643 self-identifying BMSA. Our findings indicate that approximately 28% reported suicidality. Prevalence rates were found of about 1 in 4 BMSA for suicidal ideation, 1 in 6 for suicidal planning, and 1 in 10 for attempting suicide. Female BMSA, victims of cyberbullying, and BMSA carrying a weapon experienced significantly higher odds of all suicidality outcome measures. Practical implications for identifying and screening suicidality among BMSA to guide suicide prevention efforts are necessary. Findings validate the need for informed cultural approaches to suicide screening and prevention efforts to reduce suicide risk outcomes, especially when identifiable environmental factors are strongly associated with those outcomes. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list.

Parental perceptions of body weight and appetite in infants and toddlers with cystic fibrosis

Nutritional status has clinical relevance and is a target of guidance to parents of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Growth is routinely monitored in CF clinics but there is no standardized way of assessing appetitive behaviors or parents' perceptions of their children's appetite. Greater understanding of these factors could improve clinical guidance regarding parent feeding behaviors. We therefore aimed to assess parent perceptions of child weight, and parent reports of child appetite using the Baby Eating Behavior Questionnaire (BEBQ), in a sample of infants and toddlers with CF, compared with a community sample. We additionally assessed relationships of parent perceptions of child weight with parent feeding behaviors in the sample with CF. Anthropometric and questionnaire data were collected for 32 infants and toddlers with CF, as well as 193 infants and toddlers drawn from RESONANCE, a community cohort study. Parents perceived children with CF to be lower in weight than their actual weight, to a greater extent than was evident in the community sample. Parents who perceived their children with CF to be underweight vs. right weight reported greater slowness in eating on the BEBQ. Parents perceived children with CF to have greater slowness in eating and lower enjoyment of food, compared to parents of children in the community sample, independent of sample differences in child weight, age, and sex. Our results demonstrate the potential utility of the BEBQ in a clinical sample and suggest it may be helpful for clinicians to assess parents' perceptions of their child's weight and appetite to promote a fuller understanding of the child's nutritional status, facilitate appropriate feeding behaviors and alleviate unnecessary concerns.

Words matter: The role of family weight talk in anxiety and depression.

Family weight talk, in the forms of both family weight teasing and encouragement to diet, has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes, including increased disordered eating, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and body mass index. However, little is known about its role in mental health outcomes, especially for emerging adults. Utilizing structural equation modeling, we examined the role of family weight teasing (FWT) and parental encouragement to diet in anxiety and depression and explored body weight perception as a moderator within a sample of 292 emerging adults. Results indicated that FWT was significantly associated with increased anxiety and depression. No significant relationships were found between parental encouragement to diet and the outcome variables, and no group differences emerged across body weight perception. Findings of this pilot study can be used to inform future research to decrease family weight talk and improve psychosocial outcomes for emerging adults.

Adaptation and Validation of the MapMe Body Image Scales in Spanish Parents of Schoolchildren.

Childhood overweight and obesity is a worldwide problem and to treat it parents' detection has to be improved. The MapMe Body Image Scales (BIS) are a visual tool developed to improve parental perception of child weight in the United Kingdon (UK) based on British growth reference criteria. The aim of this study was to make a transcultural adaptation and validation of the MapMe BIS in Spain based on International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cut offs A descriptive cross-sectional study was done. First, a translation and cultural adaptation was carried out. A total of 155 10-11-year-old children and their parents participated in this study. Children were measured to calculate their weight status, Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Percentage (BFP) and Waist Circumference (WC), and their parents completed a purpose designed questionnaire about their perception and satisfaction of child's body weight status using the adapted BIS. Test-retest reliability, criterion validity and concurrent validity of the adapted BIS were analyzed. This study shows that the adapted MapMe BIS has good psychometric properties and is a suitable visual scale to assess parental perception of weight status in 10 and 11-year-old children in Spain.

Caregiver perceptions of child heath behaviors and weight during treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Changes in health behaviors and weight are common during the early phases of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia treatment, and may negatively impact treatment tolerability. Given that ALL is most prevalent in children, caregivers play an essential role in shaping health behaviors during treatment. This study presents a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with caregivers of youth in the early phases of ALL treatment. Caregivers (N=17, 95% female) of a child (M age=6.76years) diagnosed with ALL and on treatment for less than 1year (M=8.7months since diagnosis) completed a semi-structured interview about perceptions of their child's nutrition, physical activity, sedentary time, and weight during ALL treatment. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clark's six-step framework (2006). Two coders established reliability (alpha=.88) and used a multi-pass coding system to extract themes. Caregivers' concerns around their child's weight during ALL treatment primarily centered around avoiding malnutrition. Weight gain during treatment was less of a concern and often viewed as protective. Caregivers reported encouraging their child to eat palatable, calorie-dense foods to mitigate risk for weight loss. Caregivers also expressed concern that children were less active and more sedentary due to treatment-related pain. Caregivers discussed health behaviors during treatment as being child-directed, rather than parent- or provider-directed. Future interventions may consider strategies to engage in joint parent-child decisions and caregiver education around risks of excessive weight gain during treatment. Interventions should include anticipatory guidance and aim to support parents in developing skills to support their child's health behaviors during treatment.

Interplay between actual and perceived weight on mental health among Canadian Indigenous post-secondary students

Objectives Research increasingly focuses on the mental health implications of both actual and perceived weight, particularly among post-secondary students. Considering their unique socio-cultural context and the frequent oversight in research, this study examines these implications specifically among Canadian Indigenous post-secondary students. Recent evidence indicates that students with normal weight may also experience increased mental health risks due to negative weight perceptions. Therefore, this study explores the independent and combined effects of actual and perceived weight on the mental health of this group. Participants and methods This study utilized data from the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, a nationally representative sample of First Nations peoples living off-reserve, Métis, and Inuit. The focus was on Canadian Indigenous post-secondary students aged 19-34 years (n = 1,518). Logistic regression models, stratified by sex, were employed to analyze the data. Results Perceptions of being overweight were linked to a higher risk of mood and anxiety disorders, poor self-rated mental health, and suicidal ideation among female students. This pattern was less evident among male students. Notably, female students who were overweight and perceived themselves as such were more likely to report poor mental health across all four indicators examined. In contrast, male students exhibited a less clear pattern. Diverging from recent studies, the findings indicated less robust mental health disparities among students with normal weight who perceived themselves as overweight, potentially due to the insufficient cell size of this category among Indigenous post-secondary students. Conclusions The study highlights the complex interplay between actual and perceived weight and its impact on mental health, particularly among female Indigenous post-secondary students.

Weight misperception and weight-related behaviors in non-Hispanic Black youth.

Current literature is conflicting regarding whether accurate weight perception encourages healthy weight-related behaviors. This study examined the prevalence of weight misperception and explored associations between weight misperception and weight-related behaviors among 353 Black adolescents in Broward County, Florida. Overall, 44.8% of participants misperceived their weight, with boys more often misperceiving their weight than girls (52.2% vs 40.2%). Students who misperceived their weight were more likely to try to lose weight but less likely to be adequately physically active. Adolescents who underestimated their weight were less likely to be physically active and excessively play video or computer games or use a computer. There was no association between weight misperception and daily physical education attendance or excessive television watching. Weight misperception appears to be a risk factor for obesity in adolescents, as weight misperception was associated with lower engagement in physical activity.

Association of Obesity With Health Literacy and Weight Perception Among Women Merchants in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire's largest city, obesity rates among women are increasing, posing a major health challenge, especially for the working generation. Merchants represent 64.3% of working women and are a typical occupation for women with low- and middle-income. Health literacy is used to prevent and overcome chronic diseases and can be used as anti-obesity measures. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity, health literacy, and weight perception among women merchants in Abidjan. In this cross-sectional study, we conducted a complete enumeration survey among women merchants in a market in Abidjan from December 2020 to December 2021. In addition to anthropometric measurements, structured face-to-face interviews were conducted. The participants were asked about their weight perception, weight management behaviors, and sociodemographic attributes. They also responded to the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ). Data were tabulated using descriptive statistics, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine obesity's association with HLQ scales, weight perception, and weight management behaviors. Of the 873 participants, 259 (29.7%) were obese; 82% of them underestimated their weight. Obesity was associated with a higher rate of HLQ1 (Feeling understood and supported by health care providers) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.926, confidence interval [CI]:1.450-5.901, p = .03), a lower score of HLQ3 (Actively managing my health) (OR = 0.343, CI:0.165-0.716, p = 0.004), a lower rate of accurate weight perception (OR = 0.145, CI: 0.093-0.224, p < .001), and a lower rate of eating at least three meals per day (OR = 0.401, CI:0.260-0.617, p < .001). Findings from this study of Abidjan women merchants include obese participants' lack of a proactive attitude toward personal health management, and the association of factors such as inaccurate weight perception and eating fewer than three meals per day with obesity. These finding have important implications for future anti-obesity measures. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(2):e102-e112.].

Is body image misperception associated with sociodemographic factors and life habits? a cross-sectional study 1399 Tunisian school-adolescents

IntroductionUnderstanding adolescents perceptions of their weight status and the factors influencing these perceptions is pivotal for developing targeted interventions and policies to counteract the rising obesity trends.ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study aimed to determine the accuracy of weight status perceptions among Tunisian adolescents compared to objective metrics and to identify sociodemographic characteristics and life habits associated with the underestimation of weight status.MethodsA cross-sectional, school-based study was conducted among a randomized sample of adolescents attending secondary schools in Sousse, Tunisia. A total of 1399 students participated, with anthropometric measurements taken, and a pre-tested Arabic questionnaire administered to gather sociodemographic data and perceived weight status, assessed using the Figure Rating Scale (FRS). The accuracy of perceived weight status was determined by comparing the measured weight status with participants; self-reported perceptions. We evaluated the association between body weight distortion and life habits which included regular physical activity, screen time (time spent on internet per day), number of fruits and vegetables consumed per day, and fast-food consumption.ResultsThe study achieved an 86.68% response rate, with over half of the participants being female (60.5%), and the average age being 17 years. The majority of adolescents (41%) perceived themselves as having normal body weight, while 34.5% perceived themselves as underweight, 16.6% as overweight, and 7.9% as obese. However, based on BMI categories, 72.6% had a normal measured weight, 20.4% were overweight, and 6.9% were obese. A substantial proportion of participants (45.6%) underestimated their weight status, with a significant proportion being objectively overweight or obese (26%). Furthermore, we found a significant association between the perception of weight accuracy with four correlates: gender, mother educational level, regular physical activity, and the number of fruits and vegetables consumed per day.ConclusionsThe findings revealed a disparity between perceived and actual weight status among Tunisian adolescents, with a significant underestimation of weight status, particularly among those who are overweight or obese. The results highlighted the crucial need for interventions that address weight perception inaccuracies and promote healthy weight awareness and management among adolescents in Tunisia. The study underscored the importance of further research to understand the development and progression of body weight underestimation throughout adolescence and the roles of lifestyle behaviors in shaping weight perceptions.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

IJCM_390A: A study to assess body weight perception, weight control practices, and their association with menstruation among adolescent girls in the rural field practice area of Bangalore medical college and research institute

Background: Adolescent girls are concerned about their weight, physical appearance, and how society perceives them. The identities they seek and create in this phase influence society and their peers. In this process, a lot of Emotional, Biological, and Social problems are faced by them. One such problem is Menstrual disorders. Keeping this rationale in mind, the above study was undertaken to Assess Body weight perception, Weight control practices, and their association with Menstruation among Adolescent girls. Objective: 1. To assess Body weight perception and Weight Control Practices, among Adolescent girls 2. To compare Body weight perception and Weight control practices among Adolescent girls with normal and abnormal Menstrual cycles Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted among Adolescent girls residing in the rural field practice area of Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru. A Sample size of 192 was determined based on a previous study done by Bhurtun DD et al, and Simple random sampling was used for participant recruitment. Data collection utilized a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data analyzed using SPSS 21.0 Results: Among the 192 participants, based on Body mass index (BMI), 13(6.7%) were Overweight and the rest of the participants 135(70.3%) were of Normal weight. Out of 118(61.5%) respondents reported trying to lose weight, reducing fat intake 100(84.7%) was the most common method. The majority of the Adolescent girls had a positive perception of weight control but had problems accepting their body image as healthy. Body weight perception and Weight control practices affected normal menstrual cycles as well as girls with Menstrual disorders. Conclusion: The findings revealed Body weight perception affected the girls with Normal Menstruation as well as with Menstrual disorders. Therefore, Adolescent girls need to be educated on the need for a Healthy body image as well as a Healthy lifestyle.

Factors affecting weight management in overweight or obese diabetic patients: the 2018-2021 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that affects approximately 422 million people worldwide and leads to the death of 1.5 million people every year. The prevalence of diabetes among the population aged 30 or older in Korea has steadily increased since 2018, reaching 16.7% in 2020, with one in six adults having diabetes. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting weight management in overweight or obese patients with diabetes (OOPD) in Korea using data from the 2018-2022 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Therefore, the goal of this study is to analyze weight perception and factors related to weight perception and to identify factors that influence weight loss efforts among OOPD in Korea. Socioeconomic characteristics, disease morbidity, weight perception, and weight loss efforts were investigated in 950 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and logistic regression. Among the overweight or obese patients with diabetes, 24.4% perceived their weight to be normal, with a higher proportion among men (29.6%) than among women (14.6%). Weight loss efforts were 5.11 times (95% CI: 3.02-8.66) higher in people with overweight perceptions than in those with normal weight perceptions. Additionally, the rate was 1.54 times (95% CI: 1.06 2.25) higher in people with dyslipidemia than in those without dyslipidemia. These results suggest that weight management approaches for overweight or obese patients with diabetes should be designed individually based on weight perception and disease morbidity.

Association between weight, weight perception, weight teasing and mental health among adolescents

BackgroundAdolescent mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent, and there are correlations between weight-related concerns and adolescent mental health. The aim of this study is to explore the association between three weight-related factors (actual weight, weight perception, and weight teasing) and mental health problems (depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and loneliness) in Chinese adolescents.Methods10,070 adolescents between the ages of 11–18 from schools in Shanghai, China were selected using a stratified random cluster sampling method. Self-reported questionnaires were collected to investigate weight-related factors and mental health problems. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship.ResultsThe prevalence of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms among adolescents were 18.0%, 53.8%, 26.5%, and 12.3%, respectively, with a higher prevalence found in females. After adjusting for weight perception and weight teasing, actual weight had no harmful impact on adolescents’ mental health. Adolescents' perception of being overweight increased the risk of depressive symptoms, loneliness, mild anxiety symptoms, and moderate to severe anxiety symptoms, while the perception of being underweight had a similar but more profound impact (depressive symptoms OR = 1.590, 95% CI: 1.342–1.883; loneliness OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.353–1.746; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.178–1.589; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 1.780, 95% CI: 1.449–2.186). Experiencing weight teasing more than once a year had a greater effect on adolescents' mental health, especially among adolescents with overweight/obesity (depressive symptoms OR = 2.970, 95% CI: 2.325–3.793; loneliness OR = 3.839, 95% CI: 3.119–4.727; mild anxiety symptoms OR = 2.822, 95% CI: 2.236–3.562; moderate to severe anxiety symptoms OR = 5.212, 95% CI: 3.846–7.065).ConclusionsThe prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents was high, especially loneliness. Weight perception and weight teasing, but not the actual weight, independently influenced adolescent mental health.