Body size dissatisfaction among young Chinese children in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the potential predictors of body size dissatisfaction in Chinese children.


METHODS
The Child's Body Image Scale was used to assess body size perception and dissatisfaction. BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. Predictors of body size dissatisfaction were examined by logistic regression analysis.


METHODS
Hong Kong, China.


METHODS
Six hundred and twenty children (53 % boys, aged 6·1-12·9 years) from a state-run primary school.


RESULTS
Female sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=1·91; 95 % CI 1·32, 2·76), age (AOR=2·62; 95 % CI 1·65, 4·16 for 8-10 years; AOR=2·16; 95 % CI 1·38, 3·38 for >10 years), overweight (AOR=6·23; 95 % CI 3·66, 10·60) and obesity (AOR=19·04; 95 % CI 5·64, 64·32) were positively associated with desire to be thinner. Size misperception was a strong predictor of body size dissatisfaction, irrespective of actual weight status (AOR=1·90; 95 % CI 1·02, 3·54 for overestimation; AOR=0·43; 95 % CI 0·27, 0·67 for underestimation).


CONCLUSIONS
Body size dissatisfaction is prevalent among Chinese children as young as 6 years. Female sex, age, overweight, obesity and overestimation of size were associated with increased desire to be thinner. These findings emphasise the importance of preventing body image issues from an early age.
1Department of Public Health,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,UK.
Gemma
G
Knowles
2Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences,University of Limerick,Limerick,Republic of Ireland.
Fiona Chun Man
FC
Ling
1Department of Public Health,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,UK.
G Neil
GN
Thomas
1Department of Public Health,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,UK.
Peymane
P
Adab
4School of Health and Exercise Sciences,University of British Columbia,3333 University Way - ARTS127,Okanagan,Kelowna,British Columbia,Canada, V1V 1V7.
Alison M
AM
McManus
D057215:Body Dysmorphic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D050177:Overweight / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D063766:Pediatric Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012574:Schools; D012737:Sex Factors
Body size dissatisfaction