BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND SELFPERCEPTION OF WEIGHT AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS OF VADODARA CITY

Dr Jayprakashkumar I. Macwana; Dr R K Baxi

Volume : V, Issue : VIII, August - 2016

BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) AND SELFPERCEPTION OF WEIGHT AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS OF VADODARA CITY

Dr Jayprakashkumar I. Macwana, Dr R K Baxi

Abstract :

Background: Adolescence (10–19 year) is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood. �Body image� is a powerful factor that determines how adolescents feel about themselves. The objective of the study was to understand body weight perception of adolescents. Methods: This cross–sectional study was conducted in the 15 schools with a sample of 1050 adolescents. Self–administered, semi–structured and pre–tested questionnaire was used to elicit the required information. Results: 19.7% of adolescents perceived that their body weight was less, while 18% of adolescents perceived that their body weight was more. 8.2% of overweight/obese adolescents perceived that their body weight less, while 27.7 % of overweight/obese adolescents perceived that their body weight was normal. Among non–overweight/non–obese adolescents, 12.6% also felt that their bodyweight is more. Conclusion: Inappropriate perceptions about body weight leads to increase in the problems related to overweight/obesity.