Self-perceived weight status, dieting, and unhealthy weight-control behaviors among Spanish male adolescents

Introduction: Self-perceived weight status among adolescents has been associated with weight-control behaviors. However, this relationship varies across weight status. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of self-perceived weight status on dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviors among Spanish male adolescents, across weight status. Method: Participants were 597 Spanish male adolescents (M = 13.94 years old, SD = 0.60). Body weight and height were measured in situ. Self-perceived weight status, dieting, and unhealthy weight-control behaviors were evaluated. Results: The adolescents were inaccurate on estimating their weight status. Those who were overweight or obese, or who perceived themselves to be so, were more likely to report dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviors. Discussion: There is a need to promote healthier eating behaviors among adolescents, and to take into account the fact that self-perceived weight status may hinder the adoption of such behaviorsIntroducción: El estatus de peso percibido se ha asociado a conductas de control del peso en adolescentes. Esta relación varía de acuerdo al estatus de peso corporal. Objetivos: Explorar el efecto del estatus de peso percibido sobre la práctica de dieta y conductas no saludables de control del peso en adolescentes varones españoles, considerando su estatus de peso. Método: Participaron 597 adolescentes (M = 13,94 años, DS = 0,60). Se registró in situ la talla y peso corporal. Se evaluó el peso percibido, la práctica de dieta y conductas no saludables de control del peso. Resultados: Los adolescentes fueron inexactos al estimar su estatus de peso. Aquellos con sobrepeso, obesidad o los que se percibían como tales, fueron los que más informaron hacer dieta y conductas no saludables de control del peso. Discusión: Es necesario promover conductas alimentarias saludables entre los adolescentes y considerar que el estatus de peso percibido puede limitar la adopción de estos comportamientos