Nutr Res Pract.  2023 Dec;17(6):1143-1154. 10.4162/nrp.2023.17.6.1143.

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

• Kim Y
• Kim B
• Rajaguru V
• Lee SG
• Kim TH

• KMID: 2548870
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4162/nrp.2023.17.6.1143

Abstract

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.

Keyword

Somatotypes; perception; eating behavior; adolescent; school mental health services

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Population selection process flow chart.

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  Fig. 2 Comparison of eating behaviors by BSM among Korean adolescents.BSM, body shape misperception.

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