Korean J Pediatr.  2008 Feb;51(2):134-144. 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.2.134.

A survey of body shape perception and weight control of adolescent girls in three areas of Korea

• Lee Y
• Shin HK
• Choi BM
• Eun BL
• Park SH
• Lee KH
• Shin C

• KMID: 2280221
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2008.51.2.134

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate body shape perception, weight control behaviors and eating habits of adolescent girls in urban, suburban and rural areas of Korea to obtain basis for establishing adequate weight control program for adolescent.
METHODS
From May 2002 to November 2002, a cross-sectional questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted to examine body shape perception, weight control behaviors, eating habits and health status of 2,891 adolescent girls and 891 boys in Seoul, Ansan and Paju.
RESULTS
The proportion of underweight adolescent girl was decreased in rural area than in urban area. 46.3% of girls considered themselves to be somehow or very obese. Notably 3.2% of underweight girls considered themselves obese. 57.9% were unsatisfied with their own body shape. The proportion of dissatisfaction increased with age and body mass index (BMI), but there were no differences among area. The experiences of weight control increased by age, BMI and dissatisfaction of own body shape. The eating attitudes test-26 (EAT-26) score of girls was significantly higher than that of boys. The girls with high risk of eating disorder were 10.9%. And risk factors of eating disorder were living in urban area, severe stress for weight control excessive expenditure for appearance and think themselves unhealthy.
CONCLUSION
The findings of this study demonstrate that there were serious impairment of body shape perception of adolescent girls and unhealthy, inadequate weight control behaviors were widely done. Therefore adequate weight control program for adolescent girl should be established promptly.

Keyword

Adolescent; Female; Body image; Weight loss; Eating disorders

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Body Image
Body Mass Index
Eating
Feeding and Eating Disorders
Feeding Behavior
Female
Health Expenditures
Humans
Korea
Physical Examination
Surveys and Questionnaires
Risk Factors
Thinness
Weight Loss
Weight Perception