[Comparison of body-image self-perception and BMI of dieting adolescents with those of non-dieters].

INTRODUCTION

Our main objective was to determine the relationship between body image, self-perception and body mass index in dieting adolescents and non-dieters.

METHOD

531 high-school students 15-17 years old were selected randomly and evaluated by Self-Perception Profile for Adolescents, Body Image Satisfaction Questionnaire, (BISQ) Dieting Status Measure (DiSM) and ideal body weight. Multivariate variance analysis for the effect of gender, age and dieting status on SPPA and BISQ subscales and multiple regression analysis for determining the predictors of dieting were used.

RESULTS

33% of girls of normal weight reported that they were dieting. The percentage of dieters among female adolescents was significantly higher than that among male adolescents. While female adolescents were dieting for a thinner body ideal, boys were dieting for a thinner or fatter body ideal. In the dieting groups, lower body image satisfaction and self-worth were determined the physical appearance and general self-worth domains of the SPPA were the predicting factors of body image satisfaction in both female and male groups.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of girls who have a thinner body ideal and are dissatisfied with their actual body weight is considerable and is close to those in developed countries. The relationship between body image, self-perception and body mass index in dieting groups may help us to understand the psychopathology of eating disorders.