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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
Body size dissatisfaction among young Chinese children in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study
Gemma Knowles1, Fiona Chun Man Ling2, G Neil Thomas1
11Department of Public Health,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,UK.
Insights
Body size dissatisfaction is common in Chinese children. Female sex, older age, overweight, obesity, and overestimating body size predict a desire to be thinner.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Body Image Research
- Childhood Obesity
Background:
- Body size dissatisfaction is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Early identification of risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of body size dissatisfaction in Chinese children.
- To understand the relationship between body perception and dissatisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 620 Chinese children (aged 6.1-12.9 years).
- Utilized the Child's Body Image Scale for perception and dissatisfaction assessment.
- Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated from objective measurements; logistic regression used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Female sex, older age, overweight, and obesity were significantly associated with a desire to be thinner.
- Overestimating body size was a strong predictor of body size dissatisfaction.
- Underestimating body size was associated with a lower desire to be thinner.
Conclusions:
- Body size dissatisfaction is prevalent in Chinese children from age 6.
- Key predictors include female sex, age, weight status, and size misperception.
- Interventions should focus on preventing body image issues early in childhood.
Objective:
To determine the potential predictors of body size dissatisfaction in Chinese children.
Design:
The Child's Body Image Scale was used to assess body size perception and dissatisfaction. BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. Predictors of body size dissatisfaction were examined by logistic regression analysis.
Setting:
Hong Kong, China.
Subjects:
Six hundred and twenty children (53 % boys, aged 6·1-12·9 years) from a state-run primary school.
Results:
Female sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=1·91; 95 % CI 1·32, 2·76), age (AOR=2·62; 95 % CI 1·65, 4·16 for 8-10 years; AOR=2·16; 95 % CI 1·38, 3·38 for >10 years), overweight (AOR=6·23; 95 % CI 3·66, 10·60) and obesity (AOR=19·04; 95 % CI 5·64, 64·32) were positively associated with desire to be thinner. Size misperception was a strong predictor of body size dissatisfaction, irrespective of actual weight status (AOR=1·90; 95 % CI 1·02, 3·54 for overestimation; AOR=0·43; 95 % CI 0·27, 0·67 for underestimation).
Conclusions:
Body size dissatisfaction is prevalent among Chinese children as young as 6 years. Female sex, age, overweight, obesity and overestimation of size were associated with increased desire to be thinner. These findings emphasise the importance of preventing body image issues from an early age.
