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Summary Of Findings Concerning Weight And Shape Concerns In Late Childhood And Adolescence
General Perspective
2. At any given point in time 30-50% of girls ages 12-14 say that being or feeling "fat" is a problem and 20-30% of girls ages 12-14 are "dieting." . . The National Adolescent Student Heath Survey ( 1989) revealed that 57% of 8th grade girls had dieted at least once in the previous year, and 41% had dieted at least twice. Several studies point to a significant increase in body dissatisfaction across ages 12, 13, and 14. 3. Looks, figure, weight, and relations with the opposite sex appear to be of significantly more daily concern to 15-year-old white girls than money, grades, or the future. 4. At any given point in time 40-60% of girls in high school perceive themselves to be overweight and are actively trying to lose weight. 5. Far too little is known about what girls (and boys) mean when they respond affirmatively to the question "are you currently dieting?" 6. Little is known about the short- and long-term implications of weight concern, dieting, and negative body image in adolescent girls, although it appears that: . . Dieting in high school girls is associated with increased levels of stress several months later. 10-15% of the girls may be considered "chronic dieters", of whom two thirds are not overweight. Poor body image and poor family relationships, as measured in the 6th grade, are associated with poor body image (but not more disturbed eating) at age 21. Negative body image in grades 7-10 may account for very little variation in disordered eating as measured two years later, once initial level of disordered eating is controlled. |
