Adolescent body mass indices and self-perception.

This study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) of adolescents and their perceived-weight status and self-concept, controlling for confounding factors. The data base was drawn from the High School and Beyond (HSB) study, which included 17,318 females and 15,878 males. BMI was calculated using self-reported weights and heights. Response variables included a self-concept index and evaluation of the statement "I am overweight." While respondents' perception of overweight status was accompanied by higher mean BMI values, there were discrepancies in perceived-weight and BMI-weight status. Logistic regression of explanatory variables on perception of overweight status revealed that BMI was the strongest predictor, gender was the second strongest, and the odds of perception of overweight status were higher for females than males by a factor of more than eight. Ordinary least squares regression of explanatory variables on the self-concept index revealed that perception of normal weight status, lower BMI, and male gender were strong predictors of positive self-concept. The findings indicate that substantial numbers of teenage females perceive themselves as overweight when BMI values suggest they are not, while males have a reasonably accurate weight perception.