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Association between body weight misperception and snacking patterns among adolescents: a population-based
Ke Jiang1,2,3, Yu Zhang1,2,3, Changxiao Xie4
1School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400331, China.
BMC Public Health
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Adolescent weight misperception is linked to unhealthy snacking patterns, especially in normal weight and overweight youth. Interventions are needed to help teens understand their weight and make better food choices.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Unhealthy snacking and body weight misperception are significant adolescent health concerns.
- Weight misperception may influence health behaviors, but its effect on snacking patterns is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between body weight misperception and snacking pattern choices in school adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study using an online survey with 190,296 adolescents.
- Body weight misperception assessed via perceived vs. true weight.
- Snacking patterns identified using factor analysis and linked to weight misperception via multiple linear regression.
Main Results:
- 44.5% of adolescents misperceived their weight; overestimation was more common.
- Weight underestimation correlated with high-calorie snacking in normal weight and overweight/obese students.
- Weight misperception showed varied associations with high-calorie and healthy snacking patterns across different weight statuses and demographic factors.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with normal weight and overweight/obesity who misperceived their weight adopted less healthy snacking patterns.
- Underweight adolescents misperceiving their weight showed healthier snacking patterns.
- Comprehensive programs involving families and schools are crucial for educating adolescents on weight status and healthy snacking.
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