Risk of obesity depends on the teenager's body perception

Teens who mistakenly perceive themselves as overweight are at greater risk of obesity as adults, a new research of the University of Florida shows. Scientists claim, psychological factors are important in the development of obesity, Psych Central tells.

Specialists investigated whether individuals’ own perceptions — self-stigmatization — might be just as harmful during adolescence. They examined data from a total of 6523 adolescents who participated in the study when they were about 16 years old and again when they were about 28.

At age 16, the participants were asked to rate how they thought of themselves in terms of weight, with response options ranging from very underweight (a score of one) to very overweight (a score of five).

The researchers were specifically interested in looking at the outcomes for teens who saw themselves as overweight, even though they were a healthy weight by medical standards.

Compared to teens who perceived their weight accurately, adolescents who misperceived themselves as overweight had a 40 percent greater risk of becoming obese as adults.

This misperception was also associated with the overall amount of weight the adolescents gained. Scientists claim these teens may be more likely to use diet pills or vomiting, that are known to be associated with long-term weight gain.

Boys who misperceived themselves as overweight showed an 89 percent increased risk of later obesity compared to those who perceived themselves accurately. It may be that girls are more attentive to their weight.

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