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Perceptions of weight and body image among preschool children: A pilot study
Jacqulyn N Burgess1, Marion E Broome
1Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
Insights
Preschoolers can identify overweight body shapes, but all like how they look. This pilot study explored young children's perceptions of body size and weight status.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric obesity
- Child psychology
Background:
- Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding young children's perceptions of weight is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate preschool children's perceptions of overweight and normal-weight body sizes.
- To assess if young children can differentiate between various body shapes.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen 4-5-year-olds were interviewed using pictorial images of different body shapes.
- Children's height and weight were measured to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI).
- Participants identified images representing overweight and healthy children.
Main Results:
- Preschoolers demonstrated an ability to correctly identify overweight body shapes.
- A small number of children recognized the image corresponding to their own BMI.
- All participating children expressed satisfaction with their own appearance.
Conclusions:
- Visual aids like body shape images can be effective tools for assessing young children's weight perceptions.
- Findings suggest potential for using these methods in developing early obesity prevention and intervention strategies.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuances of body image in preschoolers.
Abstract:
Obesity has become a significant problem in children younger than 5 years of age. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the perceptions of preschool children about the body size of children who are overweight and those who are of normal weight. Seventeen children between 4 and 5 years of age were recruited from seven daycare programs. Each was interviewed using pictorial images representative of various body shapes and sizes, was weighed, and had his or her height measured to calculate actual Body Mass Index (BMI). Children were asked to indicate which image most closely reflected their beliefs about overweight and healthy children. Findings indicate that preschool children are able to correctly identify which body shapes depict someone who is overweight. A few children identified the body shape that accurately estimates their own BMI; yet, all reported "yes" when asked if they like the way they look. Using pictures of body shapes as well as various food items can be used with preschool children to develop prevention and intervention strategies that target overweight and obesity.
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