Do overweight adolescents perceive the need to reduce weight and take healthy actions?

Studies indicate that weight perception among adolescents is associated with weight control, certain risky behaviors, and mental health.

The aims of this study were to explore the perception of body size among overweight adolescents and to determine whether they consider it necessary to adjust weight and adopt healthier life habits and associated health-promoting behaviors.

A cross-sectional descriptive design was used to investigate a convenience sample of 217 overweight adolescents(mean body mass index = 27.01 kg/m2, SD = 3.44 kg/m2) in the Taoyuan County, Taiwan, between January 2005 and December 2006.

Results showed that 93% (202/217) of participants perceived a need to adjust weight. However, only 59.9% (121/202) took weight-reducing action. Of those who took action, only 32.2% (39/121) employed "healthy" methods (including healthier eating and greater exercise), with 28.1% (34/121) focusing on exercise only and 20.7% concentrating on altering eating behavior only. The remaining 19% chose alternative strategies, such as restricting their diet, skipping breakfast, or taking herbs. Adolescents who perceived it necessary to adjust their weight and take appropriate action had higher scores on health promotion practices than those of adolescents who did not.

This study provides valuable insight, showing that overweight adolescents, although eager to lose weight, are likely to choose unhealthy methods. School and family health promotion counseling may help encourage overweight adolescents to adopt more healthy habits.