Attitude correlates of weight control among secondary school boys and girls

A study of the psychological correlates of weight control, sex, and actual and desired weight was performed. A regression analysis of the attitudes of 240 Australian high school students showed that the girls' responses reflected a significantly different concern with how they look, dieting and appearance from the boys. The implications of these findings for identifying those at risk to weight-related illnesses, including anorexia nervosa, are explored.