Body Image Perceptions and Eating Patterns Among Preadolescent Children

Abstract

Preadolescent children are showing patterns of body distortion and unhealthy dieting practices to attempt weight manipulation. The present study examined body image perceptions and interest in weight manipulation among 215 preadolescent children (girls, n =101) (mean age = 10) in third, fourth, and fifth grades. To measure body image perceptions, children were asked to answer two multiple choice questions: I think I am: fat, skinny, in-between; and I would like to: lose weight, gain weight, stay the same. Interest in weight manipulation was measured using the Children’s Eating Attitude Test (ChEAT). Results indicated that children show a fairly accurate perception of their body shape and size and this remained consistent for both genders and across all age groups. ANOVA results showed children who felt they were “fat” had a significantly higher level of disturbed eating patterns (ChEAT mean = 14.00) compared to the children who felt they were “in-between” (ChEAT mean = 6.95) (p = .009). Children who indicated they would like to “lose weight” had significantly higher ChEAT scores (mean = 9.19) than those who wanted to “stay the same” (mean = 6.56) (p = .033). ChEAT scores for girls showed a significant difference between the “fat” group (mean = 29.00) and the “in-between” group (mean = 6.81) (p < .001) and between the “fat” group and the “skinny” group (mean = 10.78) (p = .002). Twenty-five percent of this sample of children indicated a desire to “lose weight” (mean body mass index = 21.35) and 67% desired to “stay the same” (mean body mass index = 17.45). Preadolescent children are showing a desire for a thinner body type and are already developing a motivation to avoid weight gain or obesity through dietary manipulation. Early identification of body distortion and disturbed eating patterns could help with education and prevention strategies.