Body shape dissatisfaction and obesity among Taiwanese adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of body shape dissatisfaction among a large sample of adolescent boys and girls within different weight categories.


METHODS
A total sample of 883 adolescents aged 12 to 16 was included from junior high schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale was used to assess body shape dissatisfaction.


RESULTS
Body shape dissatisfaction is prevalent in Taiwanese adolescents, particularly for girls. This is linked to degree of overweight in both boys and girls but is also prevalent in girls who are not overweight or obese. Girls and boys clearly aspire to thinness but some boys would also prefer to be larger.


CONCLUSIONS
This study extends our understanding of body shape dissatisfaction and its relationship with weight status in eastern cultures such as Taiwan.
Chen
Li-Jung
LJ
Department of Leisure Business Management, Nan Kai University of Technology, Caotun Town, Nantou County, Taiwan. clj@nkut.edu.tw
Fox
Kenneth R
KR
Haase
Anne M
AM
D000293:Adolescent; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012649:Self Concept; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D013851:Thinness / Q000523:psychology*; D014892:Weight Perception