Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112685

Marilyn M. Gardner, PhD, Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 410E, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270.745.5864, marilyn.gardner@wku.edu

The census of students attending a public city high school (N=756) in south-central Kentucky was surveyed regarding perceptions of body size, the body size of the majority of school peers, and practices related to desires to gain or lose weight. Additionally, students were measured and weighed and thier BMI percentile computed. This presentation focuses on the relationship between body image and body size and the differences found in gender and ethnicities. Additionally, this presentation presents the prevalence of potential body dysmorphic and eating disorders among these adolescents.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, participants will be able to

1)discuss gender and cultural differences in body image of self and others vis a vis BMI weight status; 2)debate risk factors for body dysmorphic disorders among adolescent boys and girls; and,
• assess relationship between dietary practices and perception of body size.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.