A cross sectional study on perception of body image and weight among female adolescents of humanities, commerce and science streams

As awareness of body image perception has been rising during recent years many young people may feel fat and unattractive contrary to their mirror image. The study explore the life style pattern, weight control practices and analyzes the relationship between normal body mass index and body image.

To ascertain the perception of body image and weight in adolescent females studying in different streams and associated repercussions.

The study was conducted on Punjabi female students of humanities, commerce and science stream in the age group of 15-17 years in government and private senior secondary schools of Bathinda, Punjab, India. For each stream 160 students were selected (total 480) by simple random sampling. A structured questionnaire was distributed to students from the three streams.

40.6% of girls were satisfied with their weight. This perception was significantly higher among commerce and humanities students. A similar perception was observed regarding body image where 44.7% of girls were dissatisfied with their body image. 58.7% and 72.9% of study participants from humanities and commerce streams reported a desire to bring a change in their body.

The findings of this study confirm that dissatisfaction with body image is common in young people, especially girls and highlights the gap of knowledge between the girls of different streams related to weight control. The study clearly indicates that there is a need for strategies in schools and at home to help adolescent girls maintain a positive body image.