Factors Influencing Korean Adolescents' Body Weight Perceptions and Weight Change Efforts

Purpose: This research was performed to investigate Korean adolescents' body weight perception, appropriate weight change efforts, and factors that influencing these efforts. Methods: The data were obtained from 68,136 adolescents, aged 12~18 years from the 2007 Third Korean Youth' Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Descriptive statistical analysis and odds ratio were calculated by logistic regression. Results: The distribution of the body mass index differed in boys and girls. The accuracy of body weight perception was shown in the order of the underweight (91.6%), overweigh t (73.3%), normal weight (55.4%), obesity (41.3%) groups. Adolescents with high perceived economic status tended to have a high prevalence of accuracy of body weight perception. The distribution of appropriate weight change efforts according to the actual body mass index showed that girls were trying to lose weight more than boys. The results of a logistic regression analysis regarding appropriate weight change efforts showed differences according to gender, perceived economic status, mother's educational level, and family affluence scale. Conclusion: Appropriate body weight perception and change management plans are needed for Korean adolescents. In addition, active weight change programs have to be established in the adolescents' living environments, such as schools