INTRODUCTION. Awareness of the problem of abnormal body shape and its health consequences may be a preliminary action towards the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity. The aim of this study was to assess the perception of body shape by the mothers and their daughters with respect to the girls’ actual body weight.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study was conducted among 239 girls who were divided into two age groups: younger comprising the girls 8-13 years old (n = 115), and older comprising the girls 14-18 years old (n = 124). Mothers and daughters on the basis of a seven-scale sketch of the selection profiles chose the sketch closest to the actual and ideal as a child. In the groups anthropometric measurements were performed and standardized deviation body mass indexes (BMI SDS) were calculated. Girls were divided depending on the value of BMI SDS: normal body weight < 1.341 (91 pc BMI), overweight 1.341-2.054 (98 pc BMI) and obese ≥ 2.054.
RESULTS. Mothers of obese girls in both age groups significantly underestimated assessment of body image compared to mothers of children with overweight and normal weight (p < 0.05). Younger obese girls significantly underestimated their own profiles compared to girls with overweight and normal body weight (p < 0.001). Obese teenagers significantly underestimated the assessment of their body image as compared to girls with normal body weight (p = 0.005). Younger girls with excessive body weight significantly more often underestimated their assessment of profiles compared to older ones (p = 0.006). Almost all interviewed individuals identified as the ideal figure drawings representing the normal body image.
CONCLUSION. Obese girls and their mothers statistically significantly underestimated the assessment of their own or their daughter’s body image. Mothers’ weight status did not influence their offspring’s body shape estimation. Difficulties in assessing the actual body weight may be a cause of delayed therapeutic intervention in obesity prevention and treatment.
Endocrinology, Obesity and Metabolic Disorders 2010, vol. 6, No 3, 109-117