A qualitative investigation into the opinions of adolescent females regarding their body image concerns and dieting practices in the Republic of Ireland (ROI)

Mooney, Elaine; Farley, Heather; Strugnell, Christopher

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2008.12.012

Cited by 49 publications

(60 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Based on the dimensions of body image, overweight and obese respondents were more likely to be dissatisfied with their appearance and body, perceived themselves as having a bigger body size and shape, preoccupied with the thin ideal figure and engaged in dieting behavior than their counterparts. Consistent with previous studies, negative body image such as incorrect perception of body size, desired to be thin and body dissatisfaction was associated with overweight and obesity [15,26,43]. For instance, a longitudinal study by Mooney et al [15] depicted that female adolescents who have body dissatisfaction were about 1.02 times to be at-risk of being overweight 5 years later [15].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

“…Furthermore, body image plays an important role in determination of body weight status, particularly among adolescents [14]. Adolescents who have negative body image are more likely to practice dieting behaviors such as skipping meals, use of laxatives and vomiting [15]. Dieting is associated with binge eating behaviors that may lead to obesity problem among adolescents [16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Obesity-related behaviors of Malaysian adolescents: a sample from Kajang district of Selangor state

2012

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This study aims to determine the association between obesity-related behaviors (dietary practices, physical activity and body image) and body weight status among adolescents. A total of 382 adolescents (187 males and 195 females) aged 13 to 15 years in Kajang, Selangor participated in this study. Majority of the respondents were Malays (56.0%), followed by Chinese (30.1%) and Indians (13.9%). Dietary practices, physical activity and body image of the adolescents were assessed through the eating behaviors questionnaire, two-day dietary record, two-day physical activity record and multi-dimensional body image scale (MBIS), respectively. Body weight and height were measured by trained researchers. The prevalence of overweight and obesity (19.5%) was about twice the prevalence of underweight (10.5%). About two-thirds of the respondents (72.3%) skipped at least one meal and half of them (56.2%) snacked between meals with a mean energy intake of 1,641 ± 452 kcal/day. More than half of the respondents (56.8%) were practicing sedentary lifestyle with a mean energy expenditure of 1,631 ± 573 kcal per day. Energy intake (r = 0.153, P < 0.05), physical activity (r = 0.463, P < 0.01) and body image (r = 0.424, P < 0.01) were correlated with BMI. However, meal skipping, snacking and energy expenditure per kg body weight were not associated with body weight status. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that body image, physical activity and energy intake contributed significantly in explaining body weight status of the adolescents. In short, overweight and obesity were likely to be associated not only with energy intake and physical activity, but also body image. Hence, promoting healthy eating, active lifestyle and positive body image should be incorporated in future obesity prevention programmes in adolescents.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 80%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Obesity-related behaviors of Malaysian adolescents: a sample from Kajang district of Selangor state

2012

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“…One girl said she would 'eat more healthy snacks if they were advertised by celebrities'. Celebrities have been previously identified as factor influencing unhealthy eating choices among female adolescents in Ireland (Mooney, Farley, and Strugnell 2009). More recently, Dixon et al (2013) found that sports celebrity endorsements encouraged pre-adolescent aged boys to choose unhealthy foods.…”

Section: Barriers To Healthy Snackingmentioning

confidence: 98%

Perceptions of healthy snacking among Irish adolescents: a qualitative investigation

Crofton

Markey

Scannell

2014

International Journal of Health Promotion and Education

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The purpose of this study was to examine Irish adolescents' perceptions towards healthy and unhealthy snack foods and to determine the factors influencing healthy/ unhealthy snacking behaviours. Fourteen single-sexed focus groups were conducted with 113 adolescents aged 11 -18 years from two secondary schools in Dublin, Ireland. The findings revealed a healthy snack was defined as any food free from E-numbers and which did not appear bright in colour, sticky and very chewy. While adolescents did indicate that they regularly consume sweetened beverages, these were perceived more as rehydration or performance-enhancing drinks as opposed to snacks. Adolescents demonstrated a good understanding of what constitutes healthy snacking. However, they displayed a much greater understanding of negative health effects associated with unhealthy snacks than the potential positive health effects associated with healthy snack food consumption. Major factors were identified which prevent healthy snack uptake. These included sensory appeal, price, accessibility and a lack of palatable, healthy snacks aimed towards adolescents. Male peer interactions were more likely to promote unhealthy snacking behaviours. Male adolescents were also more likely to perceive and consume fast foods as a snack. In contrast, girls demonstrated a greater tendency to uptake healthier snacking practices to portray a more desirable body image. The findings of this study provide insights into the behaviour processes affecting healthy snack food uptake among Irish adolescents. Future health messages addressing the attitudinal aspects of healthy snacking need to be carefully researched and effectively disseminated among adolescents in order to bridge the gap between knowledge and behaviour. Ideally, future healthy eating interventions should be designed in partnership with young people to help promote a more positive perception towards healthy snack foods.

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“…Furthermore, many young people are concerned about their body shape and size due to social pressures to conform to a thin body ideal [4–8]. The media is replete with messages on the latest diets and quick fixes for weight loss.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Dieting and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors During Adolescence: Associations With 10-Year Changes in Body Mass Index

Neumark‐Sztainer

Wall

Story

et al. 2012

Journal of Adolescent Health

344

283

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Background Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors are common among adolescents and questions exist regarding their long-term effect on weight status. Objective To examine 10-year longitudinal associations between dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors and changes in body mass index (BMI) from adolescence to young adulthood. Methods and Procedures A diverse population-based sample of middle school and high school adolescents was followed for 10 years. Participants (N=1,902) completed surveys in 1998–99 (Project EAT-I), 2003–04 (Project EAT-II), and 2008–09 (Project EAT-III). Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors at Time 1 and Time 2 were used to predict 10-year changes in BMI at Time 3, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and Time 1 BMI. Results Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors at both Time 1 and Time 2 predicted greater BMI increases at Time 3 in males and females, as compared to no use of these behaviors. For example, females using unhealthy weight control behaviors at both Time 1 and Time 2 increased their BMI by 4.63 units as compared to 2.29 units in females not using these behaviors (p<.001). Associations were found in both overweight and non-overweight respondents. Specific weight control behaviors at Time 1 that predicted larger BMI increases at Time 3 included skipping meals and reporting eating very little (females and males), use of food substitutes (males), and diet pill use (females). Conclusions Findings clearly indicate that dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors, as reported by adolescents, predict significant weight gain over time.

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A qualitative investigation into the opinions of adolescent females regarding their body image concerns and dieting practices in the Republic of Ireland (ROI)

Cited by 49 publications

References 17 publications

Obesity-related behaviors of Malaysian adolescents: a sample from Kajang district of Selangor state

Obesity-related behaviors of Malaysian adolescents: a sample from Kajang district of Selangor state

Perceptions of healthy snacking among Irish adolescents: a qualitative investigation

Dieting and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors During Adolescence: Associations With 10-Year Changes in Body Mass Index

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