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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

P. K. Newby, ScD, MPH, MS, Dietary Assessment and Epidemiology, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington St., Rm. 925A, Boston, MA 02111, 617.556.3357, pknewby@post.harvard.edu

Between 60% and 70% of female adolescents may be on a diet at any one time and girls as young as 5 years report concerns about their weight. Limited studies suggest that body weight and body image concerns are present and may be increasing among non-white race/ethnicity groups. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to measure dieting behaviors and to examine associations with body mass index and body image. Study participants included 89 inner-city African American adolescent girls aged 11-15 years attending public school in Central Harlem, New York (USA). The Eating Attitude Survey was used to measure dieting and body image variables and height and weight were measured in street clothes without shoes. Anthropometric data were converted into Body Mass Index (BMI; kg/m2) and subjects were divided into normal weight (BMI < 85th percentile), at risk for overweight (BMI 85th-95th percentile), and overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) groups based on age- and sex- specific growth charts used by the CDC. Twenty-five percent of girls were at risk for overweight and 27% were overweight. Of participants with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile, 7 (15%) reported currently being on a diet, while 14 (30%) reported ever having been on a diet. All body image variables (satisfaction with body shape, satisfaction with body weight, and feelings about weight) were significantly associated with BMI group (P < 0.05 for all). Fifty-six percent of girls with a BMI ≥ 85th percentile were satisfied with their body shape, while 53% were satisfied with their body weight. More than 40% of girls at risk for overweight and approximately 25% of overweight girls felt their weight was “just right.” In summary, the prevalence of dieting was low and body image satisfaction was relatively high, including among girls who were overweight or at risk for overweight. While the acceptance of larger body sizes is refreshing in a culture which idealizes extremely slim women, the inability to recognize an unhealthy weight is alarming in light of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among African American adolescents and adults. The challenge for public health nutrition professionals is to implement programs that encourage both healthy body image and healthy body weight.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Articulate the prevalence of dieting and dieting behaviors (eg, fasting, binge eating) in an inner-city sample of African American adolescents;
• Describe several different dimensions of body image and their associations with dieting and body mass index;
• Discuss how perceptions of body image are related to body weight and dieting, hence risk of obesity and eating disorders.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Minority Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation