Body mass index, body shape satisfaction, and weight control behaviors among Korean girls

Abstract

The present study investigated the relations among Body Mass Index, body shape satisfaction, and weight control behaviors among Korean girls. Subjects were 266 girls (M age =16.6 yr., SD = .9), recruited from two girls' high schools in Seoul, Korea. Based on Body Mass Index, 73.7% were normal weight, 22.9% were underweight, and 3.4% were overweight. 174 girls (65.4%) indicated that they were currently using any weight control method. Weight control behaviors differed significantly by Body Mass Index category, with girls whose Body Mass Indexes indicating normal weight being more likely to claim they used weight control behaviors. Also, the girls who rated themselves as dissatisfied with their body shape were more likely to report weight control behaviors. © Psychological Reports 2005.