The Association between Weight Perception and BMI among High School Students

• DOI: 10.1038/oby.2004.232
• Publication Date: 2008-04-21T09:35:52Z
• Authors: Nancy D. Brener; Danice K. Eaton; Richard Lowry; Tim McManus
• Keywords: Underweight

To assess the association between weight perception and BMI among a large, diverse sample of adolescents. This study used both measured self-reported height to calculate BMI.A convenience students (n = 2032) in grades 9 through 12 completed questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, weight, body perception. These were then weighed had their using standard protocol.Using calculated from 1.5% classified as underweight or at risk for underweight, 51.2% normal 47.4% overweight overweight. Among this same students, however, 34.8% perceived themselves 42.9% about right 22.3% Even when >20% who underweight.Because is key determinant adolescent nutritional habits management, many are but do not perceive such unlikely engage control practices. Increasing awareness medical definitions might improve accuracy perceptions lead healthier eating increased physical activity.