ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether there is an association between body image perception and weight status as measured by the body mass index among a group of fourth graders in Maryland. DESIGN: Cross-sectional data on height, weight, and body image were collected in the classroom. At risk for being overweight and being overweight designations were assigned to participants with body mass index (BMI) percentile values for age and sex of >/=85 to <95 and BMI >/=95, respectively. Students selected a figure (range 1 to 7) to represent their current and ideal images. SUBJECTS: The subjects of this study were 524 fourth-grade public school students (54% girls; 61% white; mean age, 9.2 years) from three geographically distinct regions in Maryland (38.6% urban, 30.7% suburban, 30.7% rural). Statistical analyses chi(2) tests were used to compare weight status with sex, race, geographic location, and body image discrepancy categories. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare BMI and body image scores with sex and race/ethnicity to geographic location. RESULTS: Thirteen percent of students were overweight, and 15% were at risk of overweight. There was no association between weight status and race, body image perception, or geographic location. African Americans chose larger figures than whites and other races to represent their current and ideal images and were most satisfied with their body size. CONCLUSIONS: Perceptions of body image are formed early in life. Dietitians can provide guidance on appropriate weight and body size to children, parents, and school professionals. Dietitians can also use their influence to secure funding for nutrition education programs.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Body Weight , Obesity/psychology , Self Concept , Students/statistics & numerical data , Black or African American , Analysis of Variance , Body Mass Index , Body Weight/ethnology , Child , Child Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Cross-Sectional Studies , Ethnicity , Female , Humans , Male , Maryland/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Obesity/ethnology , Rural Health , Schools/statistics & numerical data , Suburban Health , Urban Health , White PeopleABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to describe breakfast and lunch consumption patterns of fourth-grade students from selected public schools in Maryland and how they differ by geographic location. Data were collected from a sample of 540 fourth-grade public school children (46% male, 62% white; mean age=9 years) from three geographically distinct regions of Maryland (30% rural, 30% suburban, and 40% urban). Data on breakfast and lunch consumption were collected using an in-classroom questionnaire. chi(2) tests were used to compare skipping meal behavior by geographic location. Twenty percent of fourth-grade students reported skipping breakfast and/or lunch at least three times per week. Urban students were more than twice as likely to skip breakfast and to eat school-prepared meals compared with suburban and rural students. Dietitians in all regions need to explore new ways to encourage regular meal consumption among students in their schools.
