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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
09:36
Assessment of Child Anthropometry in a Large Epidemiologic Study
Published on: February 2, 2017
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Are normal-weight adolescents satisfied with their weight?
Mariana Contiero San Martini1, Daniela de Assumpção2, Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros3
1MSc. Researcher, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medical Sciences, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
Summary
Many normal-weight adolescents are unhappy with their weight, particularly females and older teens. This body weight dissatisfaction highlights a need to address perceptions beyond actual weight status.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Body Image Research
Background:
- Rising obesity rates prompt public health interventions.
- Normal-weight individuals may develop altered weight perceptions.
- Understanding weight dissatisfaction is crucial for adolescent well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of body weight dissatisfaction among normal-weight adolescents.
- To analyze dissatisfaction based on demographics, socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and morbidities.
Main Methods:
- Population-based cross-sectional study using health survey data (Campinas, 2008-2009).
- Prevalence and prevalence ratios calculated using simple and multiple Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- 43.7% of normal-weight adolescents (n=573, ages 10-19) reported weight dissatisfaction.
- Higher dissatisfaction linked to being female, older (15-19), higher socioeconomic status, former smoking, alcohol use, and chronic diseases.
- Lower dissatisfaction observed in those in substandard housing.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of normal-weight adolescents experience body weight dissatisfaction.
- Females, older adolescents, and those from higher socioeconomic backgrounds are particularly affected.
- Findings suggest a disconnect between actual weight and perceived body image in adolescents.
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