Correlation between Weight and Body Image among Secondary School Students

Abstract

Background: A negative evaluation of the appearance of one's body is associated with weight and eating disorders which affected secondary school students psychologically and physically. The study aimed to investigate the correlation between weight and body image among secondary school students. Design: A descriptive correlational research design was adopted for this study. Sample: - Multistage random sample included 640 secondary school students were selected randomly. Setting: The study was conducted at four secondary schools in Sohag and Beni-Suef Cities. Tools: Three tools were used to collect data; tool (I): A student demographic data, tool (II): Anthropometric measurement tool and tool (III): A self-reported weight and body image inventory, adapted from The University of Florida Counseling Services. Results: Mean BMI was 25.83 ± 3.33 and overweight and obesity was found among more than one third of secondary school students, more than half of them were normal weight, and less than five percent were underweight. Relations between sex and body image attitude: More than one third of them for both sexes were at risk. There was a significant correlation between the self-reported current weight of the secondary school students and dissatisfaction about their body image among males and females (p = 0.005). Conclusion: Both genders from secondary school students responded negatively in relation to weight and body image. There was an association between body image attitudes and weight secondary school students. Recommendations: Establishing health educational program for secondary school students about weight control and eating habits to improve their attitudes towards their bodies.