P0334 - Eating attitudes of adolescent females

Abstract

Introduction:

Adolescence is a period of significant physical, emotional and intellectual changes, as well as changes in social roles, relations and expectations. Adolescent females, often preoccupied with physical appearance, express discontent with their figure, body weight and want to lose weight.

Objective:

Our objective was to inquire eating attitudes among adolescent females.

Method:

Sample was consisted of adolescent females, age of 16 - 17, first grade Economic and Medical Secondary School pupils. Survey questionnaire is self-esteem scale of eating disorders designed by the author. Response rate was 389 out of 419 (92.8%).

Results:

Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 18.5 has 8.7 % female adolescents. More than half want to be thinner, while 1/3 of adolescents find themselves whether thin or obese. Forty-seven percent (47%) of adolescents exercise sometimes, 15.4% exercise often while 1/5 goes on a diet sometimes or regularly. About 43% adolescents are sometimes or often terrified about being overweight, while 60% sometimes or often lose weight. About 2/3 adolescents are not satisfied with figure. One-half adolescents are terrified with increasing in weight.

Statistically significant number in both schools does not have control in eating (p<0.5).

Conclusion:

There is high level of discontent and dissatisfaction with figure among adolescent females.

Discussion:

This research indicate necessary education of adolescents to help them in accepting healthier nutrition and lifestyle in an earlier period of life, also developing programs for prevention which will encourage youth in adopting healthy lifestyles and related behavior.