Body perceptions and slimming attitudes reported by Spanish adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the desire to lose weight, body parts wanted to be reduced and weight-loss practices.


METHODS
A standardized questionnaire was self-completed by the participants. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by a research assistant.


METHODS
Forty males and 105 females from 12 to 18 y old randomly selected from education centers in Madrid, Spain.


RESULTS
Body dissatisfaction in 56% of the females and the 27% of the males was observed. In spite of the low prevalence of overweight (10% males and 6% females), many adolescents reported themselves to be overweight: more girls (27%) than boys (12.5%) (P < 0.05) by Q2 (6.26) were cognitively inclined to weight loss even though they were not overweight (body mass index, BMI > 25 kg/m2). Adolescents desired a slimming of the abdomen (82% males and 52% females), thighs (18% boys and 39% girls), hips (6% and 18% males and females, respectively) and buttocks (23% males and 42% females). Methods selected to lose weight were: physical activity or sport (73% boys and 68% girls), not to have snacks (66% girls and 23% boys), select foods with low energy content (42% boys and 37% girls), follow own diet (31% girls and 23% boys), follow medical advice (31% boys and 17% girls) and trying to be amused to forget foods (13% girls and 11% boys).
Cuadrado
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Departamento de Nutrición, Facultad de Farmacia, Ciudad Universitaria, Madrid, Spain.
Carbajal
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A
Moreiras
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O
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires