Five-year change in body satisfaction among adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The present study uses longitudinal data to examine changes in body satisfaction among male and female adolescents from baseline to 5 years.


METHODS
A diverse sample of 2,516 adolescents completed surveys in 1999 and 2004, reporting satisfaction with 10 body parts or attributes, height/weight, and other characteristics. Multivariable general linear modeling was used to estimate change in body satisfaction from Time 1 to Time 2, by age group, race, and change in body mass index (BMI) category.


RESULTS
Body satisfaction decreased over 5 years (mean satisfaction change=-0.79) in all groups except older adolescent females. Scores decreased significantly more among younger adolescents than older adolescents, among some racial/ethnic groups of males, and among those whose BMI increased. However, among males, change in body satisfaction depended on BMI category at baseline.


CONCLUSIONS
Different types of prevention programs addressing body image may be needed for males and females at different developmental stages and may need to address changes in BMI.
Eisenberg
Marla E
ME
Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55454, USA. eisen012@umn.edu
Neumark-Sztainer
Dianne
D
Paxton
Susan J
SJ
D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D001827:Body Height; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors