Body Weight Perception and Weight Control Practices among Teenagers

Background. Weight-loss behaviours are highly prevalent among adolescents, and body weight perception motivates weight control practices. However, little is known about the association of body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers in Mauritius. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between actual body weight, body weight perception, and weight control practices among teenagers. Methods. A questionnaire-based survey was used to collect data on anthropometric measurements, weight perception and weight control practices from a sample of 180 male and female students (90 boys and 90 girls) aged between 13 and 18 years old. Results. Based on BMI, 11.7% of students were overweight. Overall, 43.3% of respondents reported trying to lose weight (61.1% girls and 25.6% boys). Weight-loss behaviours were more prevalent among girls. Among the weight-loss teens, 88.5% students perceived themselves as overweight even though only 19.2% were overweight. Reducing fat intake (84.6%), exercising (80.8%), and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables (73.1%) and decreasing intake of sugar (66.7%) were the most commonly reported methods to lose weight. Conclusion. Body weight perception was poorly associated with actual weight status. Gender difference was observed in body weight perception. 1. Introduction Despite the increased prevalence of weight concern and weight control practices among teenagers, obesity has been increasing steadily [1, 2]. Females attach much importance on appearance and are preoccupied with their weight from a very young age [3]. They idealise a thin physique. On the other hand, males value a muscular physique, which they often associate with health [4, 5]. To achieve their ideal, teenagers engage in weight control behaviours. Weight control behaviours are precipitated by body weight perception [5]. Body weight perception refers to the personal evaluation of one’s weight as “underweight” or “normal weight” or “overweight” irrespective of actual body mass index [6, 7]. The discrepancy in body weight perception is also known as body image distortion [8]. Teenagers who incorrectly judge their actual body size express a certain degree of body dissatisfaction [9, 10]. Healthy or overweight individuals who perceive themselves as overweight or fat are more likely to engage in weight reduction activities, whereas individuals with an excess body weight who do not perceive themselves overweight will not involve themselves in weight loss behaviours [11, 12]. Teenagers adopt both healthy balanced diet and exercise,