Association between inaccurate estimation of body size and obesity in schoolchildren

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of inaccurate estimation of own body size among Brazilian schoolchildren of both sexes aged 7-10 years, and to test whether overweight/obesity; excess body fat and central obesity are associated with inaccuracy. Methods: Accuracy of body size estimation was assessed using the Figure Rating Scale for Brazilian Children. Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze associations. Results: The overall prevalence of inaccurate body size estimation was 76%, with 34% of the children underestimating their body size and 42% overestimating their body size. Obesity measured by body mass index was associated with underestimation of body size in both sexes, while central obesity was only associated with overestimation of body size among girls. Conclusions:The results of this study suggest there is a high prevalence of inaccurate body size estimation and that inaccurate estimation is associated with obesity. Accurate estimation of own body size is important among obese schoolchildren because it may be the first step towards adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors. Keywords: Body image, obesity, child, perception, cross-sectional studies. ResumoObjetivos: Investigar a prevalência de inacurácia na estimação do tamanho corporal em escolares brasileiros de ambos os sexos com idade entre 7 e 10 anos e testar a associação com o sobrepeso/obesidade, excesso de gordura corporal e obesidade central. Métodos: A acurácia na estimação do tamanho corporal foi avaliada por meio da Escala de Silhuetas Brasileiras para crianças. As análises de associação foram realizadas por meio de regressão logística multinomial. Resultados: A prevalência geral de inacurácia na estimação do tamanho corporal foi de 76%, sendo que 34% das crianças subestimaram seu tamanho corporal e 42% o superestimaram. A obesidade medida por meio do índice de massa corporal foi associada a subestimação do tamanho corporal em ambos os sexos, enquanto que obesidade central se associou com superestimação do tamanho corporal apenas em meninas. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo demonstram uma elevada prevalência de inacurácia na estimação do tamanho corporal e sua associação com a obesidade. A acurácia na estimação do tamanho corporal é importante entre escolares obesos, pois pode ser o primeiro passo para a adoção de comportamentos mais saudáveis de vida.

Imagem Corporal Na Infância: Uma Revisão Integrativa Da Literatura

“…Table 1 presents a detailed description of the main studies found in this review. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 The following were highlighted: authors; country; year of publication; method employed; characteristics of the sample; size of the assessed body image; and evaluation instrument used. It should be noted that a sample size varied from 25 to 11,466 children.…”

“…Some studies were carried out to verify the accuracy in the judgment of body dimensions of children. Costa et al 13 and Ling et al 16 found prevalence of high inaccuracy in Brazilian and Chinese children, respectively. According to Costa et al, 13 most of them overestimated their body size.…”

“…Costa et al 13 and Ling et al 16 found prevalence of high inaccuracy in Brazilian and Chinese children, respectively. According to Costa et al, 13 most of them overestimated their body size. Ling et al 16 pointed out that most of their sample underestimated their body image.…”

“…However, one of the main limitations pointed out by the surveys was the use of invalidated collection instruments for the populations of interest. 13 , 14 , 16 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 24 , 31 , 33 , 36 Other limitations were also reported. For example, the cross-sectional design, 13 , 15 , 19 , 24 , 27 , 29 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 35 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 42 , 44 because it precludes causal inferences.…”

“…The importance of accuracy in estimating body size in this age group is highlighted, as it may be the first step towards adopting healthier lifestyles. 13 …”