Gender differences in weight-related concerns in early to mid adolescence

Sweeting, H. and West, P. (2002) Gender differences in weight-related concerns in early to mid adolescence. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 56(9), pp. 700-701.

Abstract

Among adults, women are more likely than men to perceive themselves as too heavy for their height, the gender discrepancy being greatest among those within a "normal" weight range. This finding has been explained in terms of the equation of female beauty with extreme thinness. As the physical changes of puberty are differentiated by gender, with males experiencing increased skeletal and muscle mass but females a gain in fat, this life stage has been seen as key for the development of female body dissatisfaction and associated problems such as lowered self esteem and eating disorders. In this analysis we compare changes in worries about putting on weight and dieting with actual body mass index at ages 11, 13, and 15.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This article has been accepted for publication in JECH following peer review. The definitive copyedited, typeset version [Sweeting, H. and West, P. (2002) Gender differences in weight-related concerns in early to mid adolescence. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 56(9):pp. 700-701] is available online at : www.jech.com
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sweeting, Dr Helen
• Authors: Sweeting, H., and West, P.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > MRC/CSO SPHSU
• Journal Name: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
• ISSN: 0143-005X
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2002 BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 56(9):700-701
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.