Citation
Liechty, Janet M. (2010). Body image distortion and onset of weight loss behaviors among non-overweight girls.
2010 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.
Abstract
The relationship between body image distortion (BID) and onset of three types of weight loss behavior among non-overweight girls in the U.S. was examined. Data were from Add Health and included 5,173 non-overweight (BMI < 85th percentile) adolescent females aged 11-19 who completed Wave I and II. Actual and perceived weight statuses were compared to assess BID. Logistic regression was used to predict onset of three types of weight loss behaviors at Wave II from BID at Wave I, adjusting for Wave I weight loss behaviors and background factors. At Wave I, 85% of non-overweight girls engaged in weight control behaviors; and 29% displayed BID (i.e., overestimation of weight status). When compared to girls without BID, those with BID at Wave I had 4.3 times higher odds of onset of extreme weight loss behavior (e.g., vomiting, laxatives, diet pills) (OR = 4.5, CI= 2.44, 7.42) and 2.3 times higher odds of onset of dieting to control weight (OR = 2.30, CI= 1.72, 3.06) a year later. Girls who practiced extreme weight loss had 10.7 times greater odds of continuing unsafe practices one year later than girls who did not (OR = 10.67, CI = 4.27, 26.63). BID was unrelated to exercise for weight control. BID predicts onset of unsafe but not safe weight loss behavior. Implications are discussed.
URL
https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/news/FINAL%202010%20Add%20Health%20Users%20Conference%20Abstracts.pdfReference Type
Conference proceeding
Book Title
2010 Add Health Users Conference
Author(s)
Liechty, Janet M.
Year Published
2010
City of Publication
Bethesda, MD
Reference ID
6446
