title: The effect of history of teasing on body dissatisfaction and intention to eat healthy in overweight and obese subjects.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Obesity has become a health problem in western Europe and Belgium. In Belgium, 54% of the males and 40% of the females are overweight. A high percentage of overweight kids endure teasing because of their weight. The effect of history of teasing on body dissatisfaction and the intention to eat healthy is studied.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a sample of 239 overweight and obese participants with a history of teasing about their weight, factors contributing to weight-controlling behaviour were studied to gain more insight into the understanding of the lack of such behaviour. By means of a path model, the intention to eat healthy was estimated by body mass index (BMI), social norm, internalization, history of teasing, body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  History of teasing and social norm had a direct effect on body dissatisfaction as well as an indirect effect through internalization. BMI appeared to have no effects. Both body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy had effects on the intention to eat healthy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-efficacy has a large effect on intention to eat healthy and should be heightened. The environmental factors contribute to high body dissatisfaction. This high body dissatisfaction, however, does not have a large effect on the intention to eat healthy.
authors: Department of Marketing and Strategy, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium. thomas.heijens@uhasselt.be
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Heijens
authors: Wim
authors: W
authors: Janssens
authors: Sandra
authors: S
authors: Streukens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D058445:Bullying / Q000523:psychology*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology*; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires