A Study of Weight Control and Associated Factors among High School Female Students

Ahn, Yun; Kim, Hyungmee; Kim, Kyungwon

Abstract

The study purpose was to examine weight control status and related factors among 370 high school girls in Seoul. Factors examined included interest toward weight control, body satisfaction, body image, beliefs regarding weight control and self-efficacy. 65.1% had attempted to control weight and were categorized into attempt group. Those in the attempt group had higher body weight (p<0.001) and BMI (p<0.001) than the counterparts. They tried to control weight 2.9 times on average (22.4 days each time). The major information sources for weight control were internet (62.8%), and TV/ radio (17.1%). Exercise was most commonly used for weight control, followed by reducing meal amount and skipping dinner. The attempt group was less satisfied with body size (p<0.001) and perceived their body sizs as heavier than the counterparts (p<0.001), but they showed more interest toward weight control (p<0.001). The ideal body size of society or the body size that they want was very thin in both groups. Twelve out of 20 beliefs regarding weight control were significantly different between the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly on the advantages such as increased self-confidence, appearance, attractiveness (p<0.001) and 'good for making friends' (p<0.01). In contrast, the attempt group believed less strongly about the disadvantages including harmful effects on health (p<0.001), parents' dislike, feelings of discouragement (p<0.01) and becoming (p<0.05). The attempt group showed lower overall self-efficacy to control overeating (p<0.05) than the counterparts. Especially, the attempt group felt less control of overeating in situations such as eating-out, after school, when they are with family (p<0.01) or with friends, when they feel hungry, during examination periods and when others offer food (p<0.05). This study suggested that weight management education for adolescents include strategies for changing body image and beliefs regarding weight control, as well as increasing self-efficacy to control overeating.