Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate weight control attempts and related factors among 209 middle school female students in Daejeon. Variables examined were body satisfaction, beliefs regarding weight control, body image, nutrition knowledge, nutritional attitudes, dietary behavior and dietary intake. A cross-sectional survey was employed, and data was analyzed using t-test and chi-square teat (at alpha=0.05). The average height, weight, and body fat (%) of subjects were 160.2 cm, 52.4 kg, and 25.9%, respectively. Those who attempted weight control were 61.7% of the samples, suggesting that weight control was quite popular among adolescents. Students in the weight control attempt group were more satisfied with their body size (p<0.001), and showed more distorted body image than those in the no weight control attempt group (p<0.001). Most of beliefs regarding weight control were also different in the two groups. The attempt group believed more strongly in the advantages of weight control, and believed less strongly in the harmful effects or difficulties associated with weight control. Although there were no differences in nutrition knowledge in the two groups, nutritional attitudes were slightly more favorable in the attempt group (p<0.01). In contrast, eating behaviors, such as those related to caloric intake (p<0.001), body image (p<0.001), and specific situations (p<0.01) were more desirable in the no-attempt group than in the attempt group. In addition, dietary intake of the attempt group was less adequate than that of the no-attempt group for nutrients such as iron (p<0.01), vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin C(p<0.05). This study suggests that adolescents who attempt control weight have a more distorted body image and inadequate diet and showed more undesirable eating behaviors. Students should be taught and practice desirable methods of weight control. Educational programs should also include strategies for changing beliefs regarding weight control, as well as modifying diets and eating behaviors.

• Keywords: weight control; nutrition knowledge; nutritional attitudes; dietary intake; adolescents