Obesity among urban children is epidemic, in line with the trend across older age groups. An important question is, what is the role of perception of body image in the obesity epidemic? The purpose of this study was to compare the perception of body image among urban fourth graders. The study group consisted of 166 African American and 55 white students from eight urban public schools selected to represent the demographic profile of Baltimore, Maryland. Body image data were collected by questionnaire and employed Collins' pictorial body image scale (numbered 1-7 to correspond with increasing body size, with 4 being the healthy figure). Overweight was defined as >=85th percentile of body mass index (BMI=Weight (kg) / Height (m)2). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 8. When the total sample was analyzed as a unit, white students were significantly more likely to select a small figure as ideal. When the sample was comprised of only girls, the same pattern emerged. (68% whites versus 40% African Americans selected the small figure.) The difference was even more dramatic when selection of a large body size as "ideal" was assessed (20% African American versus 4% white). When asked to select a body image that was "healthy," African American girls were more likely to select the average figure. These findings indicate differences in preference of body image by race which begin as early as elementary school.
Learning Objectives: 1. Appreciate the problem of obesity among urban children. 2. Discuss directions for future study
Keywords: Child Health, Obesity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.