Gemma Knowles1, Fiona Chun Man Ling2, G Neil Thomas1, Peymane Adab1, Alison M McManus3. 1. 1Department of Public Health,Epidemiology and Biostatistics,University of Birmingham,Birmingham,UK. 2. 2Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences,University of Limerick,Limerick,Republic of Ireland. 3. 4School of Health and Exercise Sciences,University of British Columbia,3333 University Way - ARTS127,Okanagan,Kelowna,British Columbia,Canada, V1V 1V7.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential predictors of body size dissatisfaction in Chinese children. DESIGN: The Child's Body Image Scale was used to assess body size perception and dissatisfaction. BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. Predictors of body size dissatisfaction were examined by logistic regression analysis. SETTING: Hong Kong, China. SUBJECTS: Six hundred and twenty children (53 % boys, aged 6·1-12·9 years) from a state-run primary school. RESULTS: Female sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=1·91; 95 % CI 1·32, 2·76), age (AOR=2·62; 95 % CI 1·65, 4·16 for 8-10 years; AOR=2·16; 95 % CI 1·38, 3·38 for >10 years), overweight (AOR=6·23; 95 % CI 3·66, 10·60) and obesity (AOR=19·04; 95 % CI 5·64, 64·32) were positively associated with desire to be thinner. Size misperception was a strong predictor of body size dissatisfaction, irrespective of actual weight status (AOR=1·90; 95 % CI 1·02, 3·54 for overestimation; AOR=0·43; 95 % CI 0·27, 0·67 for underestimation). CONCLUSIONS: Body size dissatisfaction is prevalent among Chinese children as young as 6 years. Female sex, age, overweight, obesity and overestimation of size were associated with increased desire to be thinner. These findings emphasise the importance of preventing body image issues from an early age.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential predictors of body size dissatisfaction in Chinese children. DESIGN: The Child's Body Image Scale was used to assess body size perception and dissatisfaction. BMI was calculated from objectively measured height and weight. Predictors of body size dissatisfaction were examined by logistic regression analysis. SETTING: Hong Kong, China. SUBJECTS: Six hundred and twenty children (53 % boys, aged 6·1-12·9 years) from a state-run primary school. RESULTS: Female sex (adjusted OR (AOR)=1·91; 95 % CI 1·32, 2·76), age (AOR=2·62; 95 % CI 1·65, 4·16 for 8-10 years; AOR=2·16; 95 % CI 1·38, 3·38 for >10 years), overweight (AOR=6·23; 95 % CI 3·66, 10·60) and obesity (AOR=19·04; 95 % CI 5·64, 64·32) were positively associated with desire to be thinner. Size misperception was a strong predictor of body size dissatisfaction, irrespective of actual weight status (AOR=1·90; 95 % CI 1·02, 3·54 for overestimation; AOR=0·43; 95 % CI 0·27, 0·67 for underestimation). CONCLUSIONS: Body size dissatisfaction is prevalent among Chinese children as young as 6 years. Female sex, age, overweight, obesity and overestimation of size were associated with increased desire to be thinner. These findings emphasise the importance of preventing body image issues from an early age.