Ethnic/racial differences in weight-related concerns and behaviors among adolescent girls and boys: findings from Project EAT.

Authors: Neumark-Sztainer D. , Croll J, Story M, Hannan PJ, French SA, Perry C.L.
Publication Year: 2002
Last Updated: 2016-02-11 16:02:20
Journal: Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Keywords: Overweight, obesity, body image, dieting, eating disorders, disordered eating, adolescents, Ethnicity, Race, self image, identity,

Short Abstract:

Objective: To compare weight-related concerns and behaviors across ethnicity/race among a population-based sample of adolescent boys and girls.

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: To compare weight-related concerns and behaviors across ethnicity/race among a population-based sample of adolescent boys and girls.

METHODS: The study population included 4746 adolescents from urban public schools in the state of Minnesota who completed surveys and anthropometric measurements as part of Project EAT (Eating Among Teens), a population-based study focusing on eating patterns and weight concerns among teenagers. Main outcome measures included measured body mass index (BMI), weight-related concerns (perceived weight status, weight disparity, body satisfaction and attitudes about weight control) and weight-related behaviors (general/specific weight control behaviors and binge eating).

RESULTS: In comparison to White girls, African American girls tended to report fewer weight-related concerns/behaviors, while Hispanic, Asian American and Native American girls tended to report similar or more concerns/behaviors. Among boys, weight-related concerns/behaviors were equally or more prevalent among all non-Whites than among Whites. In particular, African American and Asian American boys were at greater risk for potentially harmful weight-related concerns/behaviors than White boys.

CONCLUSIONS: Weight-related concerns and behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, regardless of their ethnic/racial background, indicating a need for prevention and treatment efforts that reach adolescents of different ethnic backgrounds. However, ethnic differences demonstrate a need for ensuring that the specific needs of different groups are addressed in the development of such interventions. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Inc. PMID: 12445586 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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Source: Link to Original Article.
Funding: Grant MCJ-270834 (D. Neumark-Sztainer, principal investigator) from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Service Administration, US Department of H
Code: 89
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