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Body weight perception among high school students and its influence on weight management behaviors in normal weight students: a cross-sectional study

Wahrnehmung des Körpergewichts unter Hochschulstudenten und dessen Einfluss auf das Gewichtsmanagement in normalgewichtigen Studenten: Eine Querschnittsstudie

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Zusammenfassung

ZIEL: Diese Studie untersucht die eigene Wahrnehmung des Körpergewichts und dessen Einfluss auf das Gewichtsmanagement in normalgewichtigen Jugendlichen aus dem Kreis Timis, Rumänien. Wir nahmen an, dass die falsche Wahrnehmung als Übergewicht bei normalgewichtigen Jugendlichen, mit ungesundem Verhalten des Gewichtsmanagement verknüpft wäre. METHODEN: Von 2908 Befragten die an der Umfrage teilnahmen, wählten wir insgesammt 2093 normalgewichtige Gymnasiasten für die Analyse. Zu den gemessenen Ergebnissen gehörten die eigenen Angaben von Größe und Gewicht, falsche Vorstellungen von Übergewicht, und Verhaltensweisen beim Gewichtsmanagement. Gewichts-Schätzungen zu Prävalenz und Odds Ratios wurden berechnet. ERGEBNISSE: 22,64 % der normalgewichtigen Studenten, schätzten sich selbst als übergewichtig ein. Frauen (36,48 %) neigten eher dazu, sich selbst als übergewichtig einzuschätzen als Männer (8,15 %) (P < 0,0001). Nach Anpassung von Alter und Geschlecht, neigten Studenten, die sich als übergewichtig einschätzten, im Vergleich zu Studenten, die sich selbst nicht als übergewichtig wahrnahmen, häufiger zu mehr Bewegung (OR = 2,85; 95 % CI: 2.25–3,61), geringerer Nahrungseinnahme, dazu weniger Kalorien oder fettarme Lebensmittel zu essen (OR = 3,54; 95 % CI: 2,78–4,51), länger als 24 Stunden zu fasten (OR = 1,79; 95 % CI: 1,28–2,49), Diätpillen, Pulver oder Tee einzunehmen (OR = 3,93; 95 % CI: 2,62–5,89), sich zu Erbrechen oder Abführmittel zunehmen (OR = 1,96; 95 % CI: 1,15–3,34), um Gewicht zu verlieren oder eine Gewichtszunahme zu verhindern. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Ein erheblicher Teil der normalgewichtigen Gymnasiasten schätzt sich als übergewichtig ein und verfällt in ungesunde Verhaltensweisen beim Gewichtsmanagement. Diese Ergebnisse sollten bei der Erstellung von Programmen zur Prävention und pädagogischen Aufklärung mit einbezogen werden, welche auch bei normalgewichtigen jugendlichen durchgeführt werden sollten und deren Zielgruppe Fehleinschätzungen oder ungesunde Methoden beim Gewichtsmanagement auf weist.

Summary

AIM: This study investigates body weight perception and its influence on weight management behaviors in normal weight adolescents in Timis County, Romania. We hypothesized that misperception of overweight in normal weight adolescents would be positively associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors. METHODS: From 2908 respondents participating in the survey we selected a total of 2093 normal weight high school students for the analysis. Outcome measures included self-reported height and weight measurements, overweight misperceptions and weight control behaviors. Weighted prevalence estimates and odds ratios were computed. RESULTS: There were 22.64% of normal weight students who perceived themselves as overweight. Females (36.48%) were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight than males (8.15%) (P < 0.0001). After adjusting for age and gender, students who perceived themselves as overweight were more likely to exercise (OR = 2.85; 95% CI: 2.25–3.61), eat less food, fewer calories or low fat foods (OR = 3.54; 95% CI: 2.78–4.51), fast for 24 hours or more (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.28–2.49), take diet pills, powders or tea (OR = 3.93; 95% CI: 2.62–5.89), vomit or take laxatives (OR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.15–3.34) to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight, compared to students who did not perceive themselves as overweight. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of normal weight high school students misperceive themselves as overweight and are engaging in unhealthy weight management behaviors. These results should be considered when establishing prevention programs and educational components that address weight misperceptions and the harmful effects of unhealthy weight control methods should be performed even among normal weight adolescents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

    Sorin Ursoniu

  2. Department of Hygiene, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania

    Salomeia Putnoky & Brigitha Vlaicu

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  1. Sorin Ursoniu
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  2. Salomeia Putnoky
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  3. Brigitha Vlaicu
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Correspondence to Sorin Ursoniu.

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Ursoniu, S., Putnoky, S. & Vlaicu, B. Body weight perception among high school students and its influence on weight management behaviors in normal weight students: a cross-sectional study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 123, 327–333 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-011-1578-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00508-011-1578-3

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