The paradox is that while there is an epidemic of obesity among children, there are significant groups that engage in dieting behavior in elementary school. Dieting at this early age is a public health problem because this behavior may interfere with the intake of a nutritionally adequate diet. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between body mass index (BMI=Weight (kg) / Height (m)2), perception of body image, and dieting behavior among a group of urban fourth grade students. The study group consisted of 252 fourth grade 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). Overweight was defined as >=85th percentile of BMI. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS.These findings indicate that 30% of fourth graders indicate that they were currently dieting while 37% indicated that they had been on a diet during the past year.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the major findings of this study. 2. Appreciate the paradox embedded in the phenomenon of dieting among urban fourth graders
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.