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Female college student weight perception discordance
Oliver W A Wilson1, Hannah Jones1, Scherezade K Mama1
1Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA.
Journal of American College Health : J of ACH
|July 26, 2019
Summary
Many college women misperceive their body weight, with overestimation linked to increased depressive symptoms. Addressing weight perception can improve mental health outcomes for female students.
Area of Science:
- Health Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Body weight perception significantly influences health behaviors and mental well-being.
- Understanding weight perception discordance is crucial for targeted health interventions in young adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of body weight perception discordance among college women.
- To examine the relationship between weight perception, physical activity, and mental health in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A survey of 1607 female undergraduates at a northeastern US university.
- Validated measures assessed demographics, physical activity, weight perceptions, mental health, sleep, and physical activity related factors.
- Statistical analyses included ANOVA and chi-square tests.
Main Results:
- While most women (62.6%) accurately perceived their weight status, a notable minority (31.2%) overestimated their weight.
- Weight overestimation was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms.
- Discordant weight perceptions were linked to adverse mental health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- A significant minority of college women experience discordant weight perceptions, negatively impacting mental health.
- Colleges should enhance educational programs promoting accurate healthy weight perception among female students.
- Improving weight perception may be a viable strategy to bolster mental health in college women.
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