Body weight misperception patterns and their association with health-related factors among adolescents in South Korea

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2013 Dec;21(12):2596-603. doi: 10.1002/oby.20361. Epub 2013 May 31.

Abstract

Objective: Examined body weight misperception and its association with health-related factors among South Korean adolescents.

Design and methods: The 2009 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey data from 72,399 adolescents aged 12-18 years were used. Based on agreements between weight status assessed according to self-reported BMI and self-perceived weight status, adolescents were classified as weight underestimate, accurate, and overestimate. Logistic regression models examined the associations controlling for covariates.

Results: Over 50% adolescents misclassified their own weight status: underestimation (23.4%) and overestimation (26.8%). Boys had a higher underestimation rate than girls (30.3% vs. 15.6%) and a lower overestimation rate (21.3% vs. 33.0%). In girls, overestimation was higher in high-income families and well-educated parents (41.0%). Compared to those with accurate weight perception, participants who underestimated their weight were more likely to have an unhealthy diet as indicated by higher daily consumption (≥once/day) of fast food [OR = 1.18 (1.00, 1.39)] and unhealthy snacks [OR = 1.11 (1.03, 1.19)]. Girls who overestimated their weight had more screen time [≥2 h/day, OR = 1.12 (1.03, 1.22)]. Participants who overestimated their weight were more likely to be stressed [OR = 1.24 (1.18, 1.31)] and depressed [OR = 1.18 (1.21, 1.25)].

Conclusions: Over half of Korean adolescents had misperception on own weight status, the rates varied by gender and socioeconomic status. Weight misperception is associated with health-related outcomes compared to peers with accurate perceptions about own weight status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight*
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Motor Activity
  • Republic of Korea
  • Self Concept*
  • Self Report
  • Socioeconomic Factors