title: Role of anthropometric factors, self-perception, and diet on weight misperception among young adolescents: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Adolescence overweight and obesity have increased considerably, and the misperception of their weight status could reduce the efficiency of intervention programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence rate of misperception and to assess the relationship between weight perception and anthropometric parameters, self-perception, physical activity, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 1643 young adolescents (11-16 years old) were surveyed in a cross-sectional investigation during two scholastic years (period October-May of 2012-2013 and 2013-2014) in 15 secondary schools of Sicily, southern Italy. Data on demographic information, anthropometric characteristics (bioelectrical impedance), physical activity level, The Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile, weight perception, and dietary habits (KIDMED) were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Misperception was found in the 27.6 % of the young adolescents, and boys were more likely to underestimate their weight status, while girls had a high percentage of overestimation. The strong association with weight misperception was with socioeconomic status, waist circumference, physical activities, and physical self-worth. Moreover, a good adherence to the Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with both overestimation and underestimation in both boys and girls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings highlight that almost one-third of the participants had a weight misperception that was associated with several anthropometric, social, and lifestyle factors. Future intervention to prevent overweight and obesity should consider not only gender-specific differences, but also parental SES, perception, and satisfaction of body weight status.
authors: Laboratorio di Nutrizione Clinica, Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica (DIBIMIS), P. Giaccone Policlinico, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy. silbus@tin.it.
authors: Silvio
authors: S
authors: Buscemi
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Marventano
authors: Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Sabrina
authors: S
authors: Castellano
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Nolfo
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Stefania
authors: S
authors: Rametta
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Gabriele
authors: G
authors: Giorgianni
authors: Department of School Policies, Municipality of Catania, 95131, Catania, CT, Italy.
authors: Margherita
authors: M
authors: Matalone
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Marranzano
authors: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Mistretta
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000886:Anthropometry; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: Adolescents; BMI; Body satisfaction; KIDMED; Obesity; Weight perceptions