Type | Journal Article - Journal of obesity |
Title | Is accurate perception of body image associated with appropriate weight-control behavior among adolescents of the Seychelles |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 2011 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2011 |
URL | http://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/jobes/2011/817242.pdf |
Abstract | Background. We examined body image perception and its association with reported weight-control behavior among adolescents in the Seychelles. Methods. We conducted a school-based survey of 1432 students aging 11–17 years in the Seychelles. Perception of body image was assessed using both a closed-ended question (CEQ) and Stunkard’s pictorial silhouettes (SPS). Voluntary attempts to change weight were also assessed. Results. A substantial proportion of the overweight students did not consider themselves as overweight (SPS: 24%, CEQ: 34%), and a substantial proportion of the normal-weight students considered themselves as too thin (SPS: 29%, CEQ: 15%). Logistic regression analysis showed that students with an accurate weight perception were more likely to have appropriate weight-control behavior. Conclusions. We found that substantial proportions of students had an inaccurate perception of their weight and that weight perception was associated with weight-control behavior. These findings point to forces that can drive the upwards overweight trends. |
» | Seychelles - Global School-based Student Health Survey 2007 |