Relationships between body weight perception, body mass index, physical activity, and food choices in Southern California male and female adolescents

Different Categories of Social Media Use and Their Association With Body Image Among Adolescents in 42 Countries

Objectives

Social media has become integrated into adolescents' lives and influences body image perceptions. Our study examined four patterns of social media use (SMU): non-active, active, intensive, and problematic. We hypothesised that intensive SMU and problematic SMU would be associated with negative body image (negative subjective body weight) and over/underestimated body weight congruence, compared to non-active and active SMU. In addition, we expect these associations to be stronger for girls.

Methods

Data from 190,892 respondents aged 11, 13, and 15 from 42 countries involved in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study were analysed.

Results

Findings revealed higher rates of intensive or problematic SMU among adolescents who perceived themselves as too fat or too thin. Two-level regression analyses showed intensive and problematic SMU as more likely to perceive themselves as too fat or too thin than active users. The association was significant among intensive and problematic girl social media users, whereas, among boys, the relationship was only significant for problematic users.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of assessing SMU patterns to evaluate associations with body image.

Adolescents' use of online food delivery applications and perceptions of healthy food options and food safety: a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates

Introduction

This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Online food delivery applications (OFDA) usage trends among adolescent users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on their perceptions of healthy food options and food safety (n = 532).

Methods

Sociodemographic information, frequency of OFDA use, factors affecting food choices, and perceptions of healthy food and food safety were investigated. A total perception score was calculated for each participant.

Results

Most participants used OFDAs weekly (65.4%), favoring fast food (85.7%). Factors like appearance and price drove food choices (65.0%), while taste and cost hindered healthy food orders (29.7 and 28.2%). Younger and frequent users had lower scores for perceiving healthy food, while seeking healthy options was associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Females and those seeking healthy food showed higher food safety scores (p < 0.05).

Discussion

The study suggests tailored interventions to promote healthier choices and improve food safety perceptions among adolescents using OFDAs in the UAE.

Love Matters: The Effect of Mating Motive on Female Food Choice

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing globally in recent decades. Behind the phenomenon, high-fat food consumption has been conceived as an important driver. In the current study, we explored whether mating motive caused an effect on female food choice as well as the psychological mechanism underlying it. In Study 1, we recruited 64 participants from a university and asked them to complete a mating prime, after which they would finish a food choice task in which food with different flavors were shown. In Study 2, we replicated Study 1 with a different mating priming method and examined the mediating role of body shaping desire on the relation between mating motive and female food choice. Results showed that: (1) The salience of mating motive decreased female's high-fat food choice but increased male's high-fat food choice; (2) the effect of mating motive in females was robust and more salient for sweet food rather than salty food; and (3) the body shaping desire partially mediated the effect of mating motive on female food choice.

Association between body shape misperception and unhealthy eating behaviors among Korean adolescents

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Body shape misperception (BSM) is the disagreement between the subjectively perceived body size and body mass index. This study investigated the association between BSM and unhealthy eating behaviors (UEB) among Korean adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey with 55,748 participants. UEB were measured according to the weekly consumption frequency of caffeinated energy drinks, fast food, carbonated beverages, and sugar-sweetened beverages. The covariates included demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and health-related factors. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined the association between BSM and UEB.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 37,607 (67.5%) reported UEB. The gap between UEB among those with BSM was the largest between the underestimated and accurately estimated groups. Participants who underestimated their body shape were likelier to engage in UEB (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.25). Both sexes with underestimation of body size showed an association with UEB compared to those with accurate estimations (girls: AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09-1.30; boys: AOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08-1.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Underestimating body shape can provoke UEB among Korean adolescents. The need for appropriate school health interventional programs to prevent underestimating body shape is emphasized to avoid UEB.

The influence of body mass index on physical activity engagement following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A systematic literature review

Background

The objective of this study was to summarize available literature that explored the impact of body mass index (BMI) on physical activity participation among individuals who were subjected to the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).

Methods

A total of three electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed, were comprehensively searched to identify relevant investigations. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) study design was observational; (2) participants underwent the ACLR; (3) BMI was estimated as a predictor variable; and (4) outcomes evaluated referred to physical activity. The risk of bias was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results

After a database search, 787 studies were found, and only 10 of them met each of the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative analysis. Regarding respondents' characteristics, 7171 individuals underwent ACLR, 4080 males and 3091 females, with a mean age of 25.5 years. Most importantly, the average BMI of the examined population was 24.9 kg/m2. In all studies, physical activity was evaluated subjectively using the Tegner activity scale and the Marx activity scale. The main findings unambiguously demonstrated that a negative relationship between BMI and physical activity engagement was observed. More specifically, there is convincing evidence that BMI over 25 kg/m2 harmfully affected subjectively assessed physical activity in individuals with a history of ACLR.

Conclusion

The results obtained in the presented research indicated that increased values of BMI were a factor that correlated with reduced physical activity levels in the ACLR population. Hence, taking into account the clinical and health implications of reduced physical activity participation, stimulation of a healthy lifestyle, such as a combination of adequately designed physical exercise and nutrition, seems necessary for the analyzed population.

The associations between social support change and physical activity trajectory from late adolescence to young adulthood

BACKGROUND

Previous research examined the associations between social support and physical activity. However, little is known about the associations between social support change and trajectories of physical activity during the transition from late adolescence to young adulthood.

METHODS

The current study sought to examine these issues among 434 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.15, SDage = 0.61; 46.1% male), who completed questionnaires regarding demographics, physical activity, family support change, and peer support change across three waves (the data from one of the waves was retrospective).

RESULTS

After controlling for covariates, the findings revealed that: (a) there was an increase in overall physical activity and duration, but a decrease in frequency during the transition from late adolescence (the second year of high school) to young adulthood (the third year of college); (b) family support change did not contribute to trajectories of physical activity, while peer support change significantly predicted the trajectory of overall physical activity, duration, and frequency.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings extend the literature on physical activity from a developmental perspective by revealing different trends among physical activity duration and frequency, and unpacking different effects of family and peer support change on trajectories of physical activity.

Family economic trajectories and body mass index in Indonesia: Evidence from the Indonesian Family Life Surveys 2 to 5

Indonesia faces the double burdens of childhood obesity and malnutrition. A family's socioeconomic status has been suggested to be one of the most influential factors contributing to childhood nutritional problems. This study aimed to: 1) identify the distinct trajectories of family economics; and 2) assess whether a family's economic trajectory influences children's body mass index (BMI). We analyzed trajectory patterns of family economic levels from 1997 to 2015 among 846 children aged under 3 years in 1997 using data from Indonesian Family Life Surveys. Trajectory patterns were identified with Group-Based Trajectory Modeling using the traj plug-in in STATA software. The BMI was classified according to 2007 World Health Organization growth standards. Adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) of family economic level trajectories and children's BMI were calculated using multinomial logistic regressions. We identified three distinct trajectories of family economic level: stable poorest, stable middle, and increasing richest. In the total sample, there were no significant relationships between a family's income trajectory and children's BMI in the adjusted models. A significant relationship existed for male children, but not for female children, of compared to the poorest family trajectory group, male children in the increasing richest trajectory group were more likely to be overweight/obese (aRRR 6.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.22-30.62) after adjusting for age and BMI. The present results highlight the importance of early interventions to minimize the potential adverse impacts of excessive BMI later in adulthood.

Infodemiology on diet and weight loss behavior before and during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: Implication for public health promotion

Objective

This study set out to explore public interest through information search trends on diet and weight loss before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia.

Methods

The Google Trends database was evaluated for the relative internet search popularity on diet-related search terms, including top and rising diet-related terms. The search range was before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2018 to January 2022) in the Indonesia region. We analyzed the Relative Search Volume (RSV) data using line charts, correlation, and comparison tests.

Results

Search queries of “lose weight” was higher during the pandemic (58.34 ± 9.70 vs. 68.69 ± 7.72; p<0.05). No difference was found in diet-related searches before and after the pandemic. Public interest in the diet was higher after Eid al-Fitr (Muslims break fasting celebration day) and after the new year. Many fad diet (FD) terms were found on the top and rising terms.

Conclusion

After Eid al-Fitr and the new year were susceptible times for promoting a healthy diet in Indonesia. Potential need found before those times for education in inserting healthy food among fatty and sugary menus related to holidays and celebrations. Higher interest in “lose weight” was relevant to heightened obesity risk during the social restriction and heightened COVID-19 morbidity and mortality due to obesity. The high interest for rapid weight loss through FD needs to be resolved by promoting healthy diets with a more captivating message and messenger, like consistently using top terms in the keywords of the official healthy diet guidance. Future research could explore the relationship between diet and other behavior or with non-communicable diseases.

Body image and health-related behaviors among fitspirit participants

Background

Body image variables such as body size perception (BSP) and body size dissatisfaction (BSD) can influence health-related behaviors. However, few studies have investigated these body image variables in adolescent girls participating in a physical activity intervention. Therefore, the study objectives were to examine the 1) associations between health-related behaviors (physical activity, screen-time, eating habits and sleep duration) and BSP and BSD among girls participating in FitSpirit, a physical activity intervention for girls; and 2) influence of weight control practices on the association between health-related behaviors and BSP and BSD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed a sample of 545 adolescent girls (mean age: 15.0±1.5 years) from 240 schools. Body mass index, health-related behaviors, perceived actual body size and desired body size variables were self-reported and collected via an online questionnaire at the end of the FitSpirit intervention. A negative BSP score [perceived actual body size – calculated BMI z-score] indicates an underestimation of body size. A positive BSD score [perceived actual body size – desired body size] indicates a desire to reduce body size. A multiple linear regression analysis examined the effects of age, zBMI and health behaviors on BSP and BSD. A second multiple linear regression analysis examined the independent associations between BSP and BSD by weight control practice. The linear relationships between BSP and BSD were evaluated with Pearson’s correlations.

Results

Underestimation and dissatisfaction of body size are more prevalent in participants living with overweight/obesity. Screen-time and sleep duration were independently associated with BSP score (Beta=0.02; P<0.05 and Beta=-0.07; P<0.05, respectively), whereas only screen-time was associated with the BSD score (Beta=0.07; P<0.001). Physical activity was independently associated with the BSP score only in participants trying to control (maintain) their weight (Beta=-0.18; P<0.05).

Conclusions

Body size overestimation and dissatisfaction are associated with health-related behaviors, specifically with more screen-time and less optimal sleeping habits. Physical activity level does not appear to be associated with body image in girls engaged in a physical activity intervention and who want to lose or gain weight. Health promotion interventions could include screen-time and sleep components as they may influence body image.

Relationship between Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity with Health-Related Physical Fitness Indicators among Pakistani School Adolescents: Yaali-Pak Study

Background

The current study is the foremost study exploring the relationships between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and health-related physical fitness indicators among 12-16-year-old adolescents of the South Punjab region of Pakistan.

Methods

The researcher adopted the cross-sectional research design for the study. A total of 2970 participants (1477 boys and 1493 girls) aged adolescents from South Punjab, Pakistan, completed health-related physical fitness indicators measuring strength, endurance, and aerobic capacity through a hand-grip strength test, modified pull-up test, plank test, and 20-m shuttle run test, and physical activity were subjectively assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Linear regression models were used to explore the between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) with health-related physical fitness indicators.

Results

Positive associations were observed between hand-grip strength (p < 0.001), modified pull-up (p < 0.001), plank exercise (p < 0.001), and 20-m shuttle run test (p < 0.001), with MVPA. The gender-specific comparison also indicated a significant (p < 0.001) and positive relationship. The results revealed that as MVPA increases, body composition, muscular strength, core muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity could improve in both genders.

Conclusions

MVPA appears to be an effective and reliable predictor of health-related physical fitness among school adolescents.

Learning from missing data: examining nonreporting patterns of height, weight, and BMI among Canadian youth

BACKGROUND

Youth body mass index (BMI), derived from self-reported height and weight, is commonly prone to nonreporting. A considerable proportion of overweight and obesity (OWOB) research relies on such self-report data, however little literature to date has examined this nonreporting and the potential impact on research conclusions. The objective of this study was to examine the characteristics and predictors of missing data in youth BMI, height, and weight.

METHODS

Using a sample of 74,501 Canadian secondary school students who participated in the COMPASS study in 2018/19, sex-stratified generalized linear mixed models were run to examine predictors of missing data while controlling for school-level clustering.

RESULTS

In this sample, 31% of BMI data were missing. A variety of diet, exercise, mental health, and substance use variables were associated with BMI, height, and weight missingness. Perceptions of being overweight (females: 95% CI (1.42,1.62), males: 95% CI (1.71,2.00)) as well as intentions to lose weight (females: 95% CI (1.17,1.33), males: 95% CI (1.13,1.32)) were positively associated with BMI missingness.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study suggest that nonreporting in youth height and weight is likely somewhat related to the values themselves, and hint that social desirability may play a substantial role in nonreporting. The predictors of missingness identified in this study can be used to inform future studies on the potential bias stemming from missing data and identify auxiliary variables that may be used for multiple imputation approaches.

Anxiety among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Investigating prevalence and associated factors

Background

Anxiety disorder is one of the emerging public health problems in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Likewise, in Bangladesh, a growing number of adolescents are experiencing such symptoms though we have very limited research evidence available. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Bangladesh.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used a two-stage cluster sampling procedure. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2313 completed the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with anxiety among adolescents.

Results

A total of 20.1% of adolescents were experiencing moderate to severe anxiety; of them, a significantly higher proportion (49.9%) of female adolescents were suffering more than males (40.1%). Furthermore, age, student’s grade, father’s educational level, number of family members, and residential setting were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among adolescents. In terms of lifestyle factors, irregular physical activity (AOR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05–1.63), high screen time (AOR: 1.51; 95% CI:1.21–1.88), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.79; 95% CI: 3.02–4.76), and underweight body image (AOR: 2.37; 95% CI:1.70–3.28) were found to be significantly associated with anxiety among school adolescents of urban, semi-urban, and rural residential settings.

Conclusions

Anxiety is prevalent among urban, semi-urban, and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh. To lessen this prevalence of anxiety among Bangladeshi adolescents, evidence-based health programs- healthy school trials—and policies should therefore be taken based on the findings of this study.

Do the body weight perception and body mass index affect the participation of exercise?

Study aim: In this study, it is aimed to find out the exercise preferences based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) and Body Weight Perception (BWP), and to determine the consistency between BMI and BWP calculated via the self-reporting method.

Material and methods: The study was conducted total of 297 volunteers, included 174 females (Mage = 27.19 ± 9.94 years) and 123 males (Mage = 26.08 ± 10.15 years), who were members of the physical activity center. The height and body weight values were obtained based on the self-reports. BWP was assessed by asking “how do you describe your weight?” As a statistical analysis, the Pearson chi-square test and Kappa statistics were used.

Results: It was determined that overweight/obese female prefered most the strength exercises, whereas, overweight/obese men, according to both methods, preferred the different kind of exercises (p < 0.05). When the mutual consistency of the BWP and BMI methods was compared, “average” level conformity was found in female, and “weak” level conformity was found in male (Female: κ = 0.48; p < 0.000; Male: κ = 0.21; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: It could be said that the type and application protocol of the exercise has been related with the frequency and duration of the exercise for both of the methods. Besides, it could be said that there was a higher consistency among female participants at the level of participating to the exercise and they had similar exercise preference, frequency and duration.

Views of Own Body Weight and the Perceived Risks of Developing Obesity and NCDs in South African Adults

Obesity has become a serious public health problem worldwide and is linked to an increased risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Poor self-perception of body weight is postulated to play a negative role in curbing increased rates of obesity. This study investigated the views of own body weight and perceived risk of developing NCDs in South African adults. This was a community-based quantitative study. Descriptive statistics were used, and logistic regression analysis was conducted on the data. A total of 1050 respondents took part in the study. Of the 161 respondents who perceived themselves to be normal weight, 98.8% (n = 159) misperceived their body weight. The majority of respondents (>90%) who were overweight according to the calculated BMI perceived no risk of developing obesity-related diseases. Most of the respondents, 46% (n = 253), believed that body weight was influenced by heredity. The method used for weight loss by 57% (n = 173) of the respondents was exercising at home. There was a statistically significant association between Body Mass Index (BMI), employment status, risk of developing diabetes, and body weight misperception (p < 0.05). Misperception of body weight was common among the study respondents and may influence weight control intervention strategies. Health promotion targeting personal behaviour, such as body weight self-perception, is crucial in supporting targeted strategies to address obesity in South Africa.

The moderating effect of gender on the relationships between obesity, well-being, and stress perception in Korean adolescents

Background

Children and adolescents with obesity are more likely to become adults with obesity. Therefore, obesity prevention in adolescence is essential for eliminating complications associated with obesity, which can affect health throughout the lifespan. This study examined the influences of adolescents’ obesity based on BMI and that of obesity based on adolescents’ perception of their well-being and stress, as well as the moderating effect of gender on these influences.

Methods

Data were analyzed for 61,861 adolescents aged 12–18, who participated in the 2019 Korean Adolescent Health Behavior Survey, an online self-administered questionnaire. Adolescents’ obesity based on perception was based on their self-rating as underweight, healthy weight, or obese. Chi-squared tests were used to determine whether well-being and stress perception were related to obesity based on BMI and obesity based on perception, and a general linear model was used to examine the main and interaction effects of obesity based on BMI, obesity based on perception, and gender on well-being and stress perception.

Results

Obesity based on BMI and obesity based on perception coincided in 58.7% of the sample. However, the degree of obesity was overestimated and underestimated by 19.2 and 24.3% of the sample, respectively. Obesity based on BMI and obesity based on perception varied by gender, age, economic status, and academic achievement. The main effect of obesity based on BMI was not statistically significant on both well-being and stress perception, and only the main effect of obesity based on perception was statistically significant on stress perception. The interaction between obesity based on perception and gender was significant for well-being and stress perception. Herein, males scored higher on well-being and lower on stress perception. However, the association patterns were similar for males and females, with significant differences between underweight, healthy weight, and overweight/obese; however, for only females, there was no difference in well-being scores between underweight and those who perceived themselves as having a healthy weight.

Conclusion

The well-being and stress perception are influenced by obesity based on perception rather than obesity based on BMI, and this influence varies according to gender in adolescents.

Weight perception and symptoms of depression in rural Australian adolescents

OBJECTIVE

To investigate associations between measured and perceived weight, and symptoms of depression in rural Australian adolescents.

METHOD

At baseline a prospective rural adolescent cohort study collected demographic data, measured weight and height, weight self-perception, and presence of depression (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire). Using World Health Organisation's (WHO) age and gender body mass index (BMI) standardisations, participants were classified into four perceptual groups: PG1 healthy/perceived healthy; PG2 overweight/perceived overweight; PG3 healthy/perceived overweight; and PG4 overweight/perceived healthy. Logistic regression analyses explored relationships between these groups and symptoms of depression.

RESULTS

Data on adolescents (n = 339) aged 9-14. PG1 contained 63% of participants, PG2 18%, PG3 4% and PG4 14%. Across the cohort, 32% were overweight and 13% had symptoms of depression. PG2 (overweight/perceived overweight) were more likely to experience symptoms of depression than PG1 (healthy/perceived healthy; Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.1, 95% CI 1.5-6.7). Females in PG3 (healthy/perceived overweight) were more likely to experience symptoms of depression (38%) than males (14%) and females in PG1 (10%, AOR 5.4, 95% CI 1.1-28.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that perceptions of being overweight may be a greater predictor for symptoms of depression than actual weight. This has public health implications for youth mental health screening and illness prevention.

What is normal body weight? Perceptions around "average" and "healthy" body weight among adolescents in Indiana

OBJECTIVES

Biological normalcy is a framework that investigates relationship(s) between statistical norms and normative views/beliefs around particular traits. This study assessed the relationships between perceptions of average body weight, healthy body weight, and weight status among adolescents.

METHODS

Adolescents recruited in southcentral Indiana, United States (n = 123) completed online questionnaires for demographics and body weight perceptions. Silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale measured perceived weight status, perceived average body weight, and perceived healthy body weight. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index-for-age percentiles. A subsample (n = 11) provided descriptions of "average," "healthy," and "normal" bodies during semi-structured interviews.

RESULTS

As perceived average body weight increased, selections of "healthy" silhouettes shifted downward, with smaller female silhouettes being marked healthy more often and larger male silhouettes being marked healthy less often. Additionally, perceived weight status was positively associated with perceptions around average body weight and lowest body weight perceived to be healthy for female and male silhouettes. Qualitative data demonstrated significant overlap in adolescents' descriptions of "average," "healthy," and "normal" bodies as well as dual meanings for the term "normal" in adolescents' views of body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceived weight status appears to play a role in adolescents' conceptualizations of average and healthy body weight. Additionally, Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that perceived body weight norms were associated with normative perceptions around what healthy bodies look like. This study demonstrates relationships between statistical norms and normative views around body weight, underscoring the duality in how body weight is understood to be "normal" among adolescents.

Dietary Patterns, Weight Perception and Obesity Status, among 10-12-Year-Old Children; an Epidemiological Study in Greece

Adherence to certain dietary patterns influences obesity status in both children and adults. Weight perception influences dietary habits. The aim of this study was to examine children’s dietary habits and obesity status, in relation to weight perception. One thousand seven hundred Greek students enrolled in this study during 2014–2016. Children’s characteristics were assessed through validated questionnaires, and weight status was classified according to the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force. Dietary patterns were assessed through exploratory factor analysis. Overall, 52.2% of children characterized themselves as normal weight, 34.5% as low weight, and 13.3% as overweight/obese; 52.5% of children were in accordance with their actual weight status, with girls being more likely to overestimate their weight. Children followed three dietary patterns, i.e., starchy and protein foods, unhealthy/high-fat foods, and healthy foods. Children who followed the healthy dietary pattern and had accurate weight perception (in accordance with their actual weight), had lower odds of being overweight/obese (p < 0.001). Accurate weight perception in conjunction with healthy dietary habits may play a determinant role in the prevention of obesity. From a public health perspective, early identification of children’s weight misperception along with healthy dietary habit promotion shape a crucial role in childhood obesity confrontation.

Association Between Food Choices Motivators and Physical Activity in Body Image (dis)Satisfaction in Portuguese Adolescents

Concerns about weight and body image are common among adolescents since they are particularly vulnerable to body-image dissatisfaction due to the normal physiological, social, and psychological changes they are going through. This study aims to analyse the relationship between food choice motivations and physical activity in body-image perception among adolescents. Twelve to sixteen years old adolescents were recruited from three school districts. The Portuguese version of the Food Choices Questionnaire (FCQ) was used to assess food choice motivators, and the Quantification de l'Activité Physique en Altitude Chez les Enfants was used to assess physical activity and to calculate daily energy expenditure (DEE). Body image perception was measured using Collins' sequence of seven silhouettes. Body image (dis)satisfaction was estimated by the present body shape minus the desired body shape. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were performed to compare groups, and the post-hoc Bonferroni test was used to compare target groups. A multinominal logistic regression was performed to analyse the association between gender, age, hours of sport's competition, FCQ, and body dissatisfaction. All analyses were performed in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0. The sample comprised 286 adolescents (51.4% females). Means of FCQ categories varied between 0.33 and 0.97 (range: −2 to 2). Regarding the categories of FCQ, statistically significant differences were found in the category of body satisfaction and weight control among the three groups (p = 0.004). A preventive effect was found of choosing food regarding body satisfaction and weight control, on body-image dissatisfaction.

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

We 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.

Weight self-perception in adolescents: evidence from a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate weight misperception among adolescents and determine associations between self-perceived weight and socio-demographic characteristics, BMI, screen time, self-rated food quantity and diet quality, weekly frequency of breakfast and the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional, two-stage, probabilistic population-based study was conducted in Campinas, Brazil. Multinomial logistic regressions were run to estimate weight self-perception.

SETTING

Data from the Campinas Health Survey (ISACamp) and Campinas Food Consumption Survey (ISACamp-Nutri).

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 911 adolescents aged 10-19 years.

RESULTS

Nearly half (47·7 %) of the adolescents with overweight/obesity did not evaluate their weight properly. Weight self-perception as thin and excess weight was associated with the female gender, overweight/obesity, self-rated diet quality as poor/very poor and eating snacks ≥3 times/week. Adolescents who did not consume breakfast daily were less likely to perceive themselves as thin. Adolescents who ate excessively were more likely and those who consumed cookies/crackers ≥3 times/week were less likely to perceive themselves as having excess weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Greater weight misperception was found in overweight/obese adolescents. Gender, BMI, self-rated food quantity/diet quality, weekly frequency of breakfast and some unhealthy foods were associated with self-perceived weight. The present findings could contribute to health promotion strategies targeting adolescents.

Relative contributions of health behaviours versus social factors on perceived and objective weight status in Canadian adolescents

OBJECTIVES

Public health interventions for adolescent "obesity prevention" have focused predominantly on individualistic health behaviours (e.g., diet and physical activity) at the expense of recognizing body weight diversity and the array of social factors (e.g., stigma and discrimination of marginalized identities) that may be linked to weight status. Research is needed to examine the extent to which individualistic health behaviours versus social factors contribute to weight status in adolescents. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate the relative contribution of individualistic health behaviours versus social factors to objective and perceptual indices of weight status.

METHODS

Cross-sectional survey data were collected as part of the Toronto Public Health Student Survey and comprised students 12 to 19 years of age (N = 5515). Measures included perceived and objective weight status, social and demographic factors (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, school connectedness), and health behaviours (e.g., physical activity, nutritious consumption).

RESULTS

Findings from latent variable regression models partially supported hypotheses, whereby social factors (i.e., age, sex, socio-economic access, sexual minority status) contribute similar amounts of variance, or relatively more variance in weight indices, compared to health behaviours (e.g., physical activity, nutritious consumption).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to traditional views of adolescent weight status, physical activity (i.e., school-based, individual, active transport) and nutritious consumption (i.e., fruits, vegetables, milk) were not associated with weight status, when considering social factors. These findings challenge the utility of public health approaches that target individualistic behaviours as critical risk factors in "obesity prevention" efforts in adolescence.

Associations Between Weight Perception, Unhealthy Weight Control Behavior, and Suicidal Ideation and Planning Among Korean Adolescents: A National Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight perception, unhealthy weight control behavior, and suicidal ideation and planning and identify the role of unhealthy weight control behavior as a mediator in these associations among Korean adolescents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This national cross-sectional secondary study used data from the 2015-2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys, with a final sample of 96,285 adolescents who tried to manage their weight in the 30 days prior to the surveys. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted.

RESULTS

Both adolescent groups who perceived themselves to be underweight or overweight were significantly linked to a greater likelihood of suicidal ideation and planning (COR, 95% CI = 1.249, 1.141-1.367; COR, 95% CI = 1.339, 1.282-1.399) respectively. While adolescents with perceptions of being underweight are associated with suicidal ideation and planning through the suppression effect of unhealthy weight control behavior (Pathway A: OR, 95% CI = 0.628, 0.587-0.671), adolescents with perceptions of being overweight are linked with the same through the mediation effect (Pathway A: OR, 95% CI = 1.195, 1.141-1.251).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with perceptions of being overweight are highly likely to have unhealthy weight control behavior that can be linked to the possibility of suicidal ideation and planning, while adolescents with perceptions of being underweight are comparatively less likely to engage in such behavior.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is necessary to identify the status of weight perception among adolescents and closely monitor the unhealthy weight control behavior to prevent suicidal ideation and planning.

Correlates of over- or under-estimation of body size among resource-poor urban dwellers in a sub-Saharan African city

BACKGROUND

Individual perception of body size has implications for lifestyle behaviours including dietary habits and weight management practices.

AIM

To examine factors related to respondents' estimation of their body sizes compared to their body mass index (BMI).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional survey comprised a sample of 917 adults in urban poor Accra, Ghana. Silhouette figure ratings were used to assess perceived body size and ideal body size at a community level. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine correlates of respondents overestimating or underestimating their body sizes.

RESULTS

Approximately, 69% of respondents either underestimated or overestimated their body sizes. About a quarter of respondents perceived being overweight as the preferred ideal body size in their communities. The mean BMI of females and males who underestimated their body sizes were within the overweight category and normal weight category, respectively. Gender, educational level, employment status, the community of residence, and ethnicity were associated with how respondents correctly estimated, over- or under-estimated their body sizes. There was evidence of ethnicity mediating the association between the community of residence and body size estimation.

CONCLUSION

Weight management interventions must be mindful of the socio-demographic and cultural proclivities of the targeted populace for optimum impact.

Are weight status and weight perception associated with academic performance among youth?

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests perceptions of being overweight account for many of the psychosocial consequences commonly associated with obesity. Previous research suggests an obesity achievement gap, yet limited research has explored weight perception in association with academic performance. Moreover, underweight perceptions have typically been excluded from research. The current study examined how BMI classification and weight perception relate to academic performance in a large cohort of youth.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional survey data from 61,866 grade 9-12 students attending the 122 Canadian schools that participated in Year 6 (2017/2018) of the COMPASS study. Mixed effect regression models were used to examine associations between students' BMI classification and weight perceptions and their math and English/French course grades. All models were stratified by sex and adjusted for sociodemographic covariates and school clustering.

RESULTS

For English/French grades, males and females with overweight or underweight perceptions were less likely to achieve higher grades than their peers with perceptions of being at "about the right weight", controlling for BMI and covariates. For math grades, females with overweight perceptions, and all students with underweight perceptions, were less likely to achieve higher grades than their peers with "about the right weight" perceptions. All students with BMIs in the obesity range were less likely to report grades of 60% or higher than their peers with "normal-weight" BMIs, controlling for weight perception and covariates. Overweight BMIs were predictive of lower achievement in females for English/French grades, and in males for math grades, relative to "normal-weight" BMIs. Results for students that did not respond to the weight and weight perception items resembled those for obesity BMI and overweight/underweight perceptions, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study demonstrates that an obesity achievement gap remains when controlling for students' perceptions of their weight, and that both underweight and overweight perceptions predict lower academic performance, regardless of BMI classification. Results suggest barriers to academic success exist among youth with larger body sizes, and those with perceptions of deviating from "about the right weight".

The relationship between body shape perception and health behaviors among Korean normal-weight adolescents using Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey

Inappropriate adolescent health behavior can be influenced by the negative impact of physical and mental health promotion. Obesity influences subjective improper weight perception. This study aimed to verify Korean normal-weight adolescents' subjective experience of weight control, mental health, physical activity, and subjective status based on their body mass index (BMI). As a result, efforts to control weight appeared less in normal-weight boys. Thin girls were less likely to carry out 60 min of physical activity 7 or 5 days per a week. Obese boys were less likely to carry out vigorous physical activity 3 days per a week. Normal-weight girls were less likely to practice muscular strength training 3 days per a week. Thin boys and thing girls were less likely to practice regular physical activity, and less likely to practice at the rate stipulated in the sedentary behavior guideline. In conclusion, boys and girls with inappropriate weight perception reported feeling stressed and depressed, and reported subjective sleep fulfillment, perceived subjective happiness, and perceived subjective health.