OBJECTIVETo describe the different sex, age and grade distribution of coping behavior and its psychological effects on weight, and to analyze the correlation between overweight, obesity and unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control in adolescents.

METHODSA survey was conducted among students of grade 1 and grade 2 at a junior middle school in Hefei. Students completed the anonymous. questionnaire including the demographic characteristics of adolescents and parents, self-assessed weight status and adolescents' psycho-behaviors related to weight control. Anthropometric measures were taken together with body mass index (BMI) calculated. Students were divided into obesity,overweight and control groups by BMI separate criteria and by self reporting, respectively.

RESULTSAmong all the students, 17.4% reported having unhealthy psychological feelings related to weight control including 3.8% reported having unhealthy behaviors related to weight control and 19.1% of them reported having unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control. The rates of unhealthy psychological feelings, unhealthy behaviors and total unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control among girls (20.6%, 4.3%, 22.6%) were all higher than those among boys (14.5%, 3.3%, 15.8%) (P < 0.05). The rates of unhealthy psychological feelings, unhealthy behaviors and total unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control in obese individuals both assessed by BMI and assessed by self reporting appeared to be the highest (P < 0.05). In addition,data showed that obesity and overweight assessed both by BMI separate criteria and by self-reporting appeared positive correlations with the rates of unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control. Moreover, the relationship between obesity or overweight assessed by the two methods and unhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control did not alter by other factors.

CONCLUSIONUnhealthy psycho-behaviors related to weight control of girls are more severe than boys. The relationship between obesity and unhealthy psychological feelings and behaviors related to weight control does not alter by other factors such as social factors.

Adolescent ; Adolescent Behavior ; psychology ; Body Mass Index ; Female ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; psychology ; Overweight ; psychology ; Students ; psychology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo probe into the factor of increasing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion for slimming.

METHODSThe factors of increasing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion for slimming were thought by analysis of the physician and the patient, and combination of theory with clinical treatment, and opinions were put forward.

CONCLUSIONThere are a lot of factors influencing the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion for slimming, and only both the physician and the patient cooperate each other and pay attention to the factors, can the therapeutic effect be better increased.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Health Education ; Humans ; Moxibustion ; Obesity ; psychology ; therapy

BACKGROUND: The pathological significance of adolescent obesity is increasing, as research results indicate that about 80 percent of obese teenager becomes obese as adults. However, most studies on obesity have been mainly centered on the biomolecular aspect of obesity, thereby offering little solution to the clinical application and the promotion of overall health for people. This study investigates into the psychological factors of adolescent obesity, mainly that relating to stress. METHODS: After having chosen 14 third year classes from two middle schools, one from the Kang nam and the other from the Kang puk region of Seoul, I have distributed questionnaires to the total of 501 students. For calculating the degree of stress among the students, I have employed the BEPSI (Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument) K, transforming each 5 positive questions into 1 point, which were summed up and divided by 5 (the BEPSI K score). RESULTS: Controlling the confounding factor, the regression coefficient regarding the Body Mass Index of the BEPSI K score was 0.661, t as 3.122, and R Square as 0.05, indicating the statistical relevance of the two factors. A multiple linear regression analysis of theses data yielded the following equation: Body Mass Index=15.6+0.661 x BEPSI K score(R2=0.05) Although the R Squre, as 0.05, was relatively low, this statistical result proves that the rise in stress contributes to the increase of Body Mass Index, thereby indicating that stress functions as an important factor for adolescent obesity. CONCLUSION: For remedying and preventing adolescent obesity, one must make use of the BEPSI K examination and calculate the degree of stress among the adolescent. This study further implies that the best solution to the problems of obesity among adolescent is for the family members, the educational institutions, and the society as a whole to understand and to help the adolescent overcome frequent mental stress resulting from their daily living.
Adolescent* ; Adult ; Body Mass Index* ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Obesity ; Pediatric Obesity ; Psychology ; Seoul ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between body weight, body dissatisfaction and depression symptoms among Chinese children.

METHODSThe fasting body weight and height of the third and fourth grade students (n = 3886, aged 9 or 10 years) from 20 schools in Beijing, China, were measured, and the students were asked to choose the figures of body image and to complete the self-reported children's depression inventory (CDI) questionnaire.

RESULTSThe CDI Cronbach's alpha was 0.81. The total CDI score was 9.60 +/- 7.50, 13.2% of children (boys 16.7% vs girls 9.5%) were at risk of developing depression symptoms. Overweight girls, but not boys, had significantly higher total CDI score than their normal weight counteparts. Both obese girls and boys showed a higher negative self-esteem score. More than one fifth underweight girls still wanted to be thinner while more than one third obese boys still wanted to be heavier. Children who wanted to be thinner showed slightly higher scores of ineffectiveness and negative self-esteem. After introducing the body dissatisfaction into the model, overweight was still associated with total CDI score among girls and obesity was still associated with negative self-esteem among both boys and girls.

CONCLUSIONOverweight girls show a significantly higher depression symptom score than their normal weight counterparts, which maybe partially explained by body dissatisfaction. Obese boys and girls are both more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, which is partially explained by body dissatisfaction.

Body Image ; Body Weight ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Depression ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; epidemiology ; psychology

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate weight and height status and their relationship with psychological problems among elementary schoolchildren. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 405 schoolchildren (211 boys and 194 girls, aged: 10-13 years), living in Seoul, Korea, participated in this study. The participants were divided into 3 groups according to their weight and height standard deviation score. Psychological assessments were performed using the Korean-Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: In this study, 34.4% of boys and 32.1% of girls showed dissatisfaction with their weight, whereas 26.2% of boys and 30.2% of girls showed dissatisfaction with their height. The obese group showed higher weight dissatisfaction than the normal or underweight groups (p < 0.001). The short stature group showed higher dissatisfaction in their height than the normal group (p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in total CBCL problems score according to weight or height status. The underweight and obese groups had higher score for social problems than normal weight group (p < 0.05 respectively). There were no significant differences in each CBCL problem score by height status. As a whole, the prevalence rate of a CBCL total problems score in the clinical range was 3 percent (12/405). These children showed no difference in terms of weight or height, compared with normal students. Among the factors related, only school performance was negatively correlated with the total problems score (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Approximately one-third of elementary schoolchildren were dissatisfied with their height or weight. Although their total CBCL psychological problem scores were closely related with school performance, they did not show any significant relation with height or weight status. Contrary to the general view, our study suggests that psychological problems of elementary schoolchildren may be related more with their school performance than their body physique.
Adolescent ; *Body Height ; *Body Weight ; Child ; Child Behavior/*psychology ; Child Behavior Disorders/psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Obesity/psychology ; Thinness/psychology

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of obesity and overweight in childhood has increased dramatically over the past decades globally. Thus, the risk factors of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents must be studied. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reveal the prevalence of childhood obesity and examine the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and z-body mass index (z-BMI) via parental obesity and dietary intake using path analysis. METHODS: Stratified cluster sampling was used to select 17,007 participants aged 6-12 years on two avenues per region in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Path analysis was conducted to examine the mediators between SES and z-BMI. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of overweight and obesity were 13.36% and 8.60%, respectively, and were positively correlated with the father's education level, family income, a birth weight > 3000g, a parental obesity history, vegetable intake and red meat intake (all P < 0.05). Four mediators (paternal obesity history, red meat intake, vegetable intake, and nutritional supplements) were observed, and the four path analyses were significant (all P < 0.05). The adjusted total effects on z-BMI were significant for income (β CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of overweight/obesity in children was notable, and the relationship between SES and z-BMI was mediated by paternal obesity history and dietary intake.
Child ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Eating/psychology* ; Fathers/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity/psychology* ; Pediatric Obesity/etiology* ; Social Class

BACKGROUND: Although childhood obesity is an increasing public health problem in our society and a number of regimens have been developed and distributed for the treatment of adult obesity, few studies have focused on therapeutic programs for obese children. The objective of this study was to deveIop and measure the effects of an OPD-based childhood obesity control program. METHOD: 'The OPD-based childhood obesity control program was developed by reviewing the preexisting literature and consulting specialists. It was applied to the 4-6th grade obese(obesity index >or=30% ) children. The effects of intervention were assessed by the changes in obesity-related behavior, caloric and nutrient intake and exercise amount. The effects in the OPD-based group (group I) were also compared with the school-based group (group II) and the no intervention group (group III). RESULTS: The OPD-based program was developed based on behavioral modification principles such as self monitoring, stimulus control, positive reinforcement, social support, cognitive change and behavioral contracts and contained diet and exercise therapy. The developed program was applied to 34 pairs(child and mother) in the treatment group of which 21 pairs completed the basic session and 17 pairs completed the additional follow up session. Significant changes, decreases, in obesity index were observed In the OPD-based group. No significant changes were found in the school-based group whereas increased degrees of obesity were found in the no intervention group. Obesity related behavior scores were significantly increased in both the OPD- and school-based groups. The children in both the OPD-based group showed significant decrease in dietary intake and increase in exercise amount. CONCLUSION: Although it was a short-term treatment result, the OPD-based program was more effective than the school-based program in childhood obesity control. We suggest that a control program of comparable intensity and individualization as ours is required, for effective childhood obesity control.
Adult ; Child ; Diet ; Exercise Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Obesity ; Pediatric Obesity* ; Public Health ; Reinforcement (Psychology) ; Specialization

BACKGROUND: Adolescent obesity has a high risk of developing into adult obesity and may cause many physical and psychological problems. The purpose of this study was to investigate familial environment and psychosocial factors of adolescent obesity. METHODS: A total of 1,153 students from one middle school located in suburban area were chosen as subjects. In this study, the obese group was defined to have an obesity index higher than 85 pecentile, compared to the normal weight group which ranged between 25 and 75 percentile. The questionnaires included items on familial environment and psychosocial factors, their parents' BMI, physical activity, self esteem inventory, depression self rating scale, and FACES III (family cohesion and adaptability scale III). RESULTS: Maternal BMI of the obese group was significantly higher than that of the normal weight group. The mean self esteem score of the obese group was significantly lower than that of the normal weight group. Depression self-rating score of the female obese group was significantly higher than that of the normal weight group. There was no difference in family functioning between the obese group and the normal weight group. CONCLUSION: In multivariate analysis, there were significant correlations among adolescent obesity and higher maternal BMI and lower self-esteem. It will be necessary to evaluate and support the psychosocial factors in the management of adolescent obesity.
Adolescent* ; Adult ; Depression ; Female ; Humans ; Motor Activity ; Multivariate Analysis ; Obesity ; Pediatric Obesity* ; Psychology* ; Self Concept ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and body mass index (BMI) of obese children. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 387 children. HRQoL was measured with the PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scale. BMI was classified according to the World Health Organization Asia-Pacific obesity guidelines. Psychosocial factors (body image, self-esteem, and depression/anxiety) were also measured. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation and Path analysis. RESULTS: Obese participants reported lower score for physical evaluation, self-esteem, appearance evaluation component of body image, total HRQoL score, and physical/emotional/social function components of HRQoL ; they reported higher score for depression/anxiety. In addition, results indicated that as BMI increased, appearance evaluation, total HRQoL score, and social function component of HRQoL dropped. Path analysis revealed that BMI did not directly affect HRQoL ; however, BMI directly affects body image and self-esteem, indirectly mediates depression/anxiety, and thereby impacts on an individual's HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Body image and self-esteem, rather than BMI itself, have more influence on HRQoL. This reinforces the importance of therapeutic intervention to enhance body image and self-esteem among obese children.
Body Image ; Body Mass Index ; Child* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Obesity* ; Pediatric Obesity ; Psychology ; Quality of Life* ; World Health Organization

OBJECTIVETo examine relationships between weight status and different forms of bullying victimization among adolescents aged 11-18 years.

METHODSThe relationships between weight status and bullying victimization (physical, verbal, and relational) were examined utilizing data from the Guangdong Provincial Youth Health Behavior Survey. Data on height, weight, and victimization behaviors were collected by self-reporting from 12 439 subjects. , test and logistic regression were used to analyze relationships between weight and bullying victimization.

RESULTSThe incidence of victimization for adolescents aged 11-18 years was 8.6%, with higher rates for boys (12.4%) than for girls (4.7%). For children with normal, overweight and obese body mass index (BMI), the incidence rates of victimization were 8.2%, 17.3%, and 11.5%, respectively. Compared to normal weight, overweight was a risk factor for bullying victimization(OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.18-2.17), and it also increased children's risk of being teased in a hurtful way (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.41-3.24) and being made fun of due to physical appearance (OR = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.27-5.67). Obesity only increased the risk for children of being made fun of due to physical appearance (OR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.44-4.15).

CONCLUSIONSThe victimization for children at school is common in Guangdong province, China. Overweight and obese children are more likely to be victims of bullying behaviors, especially verbal victimization.

Adolescent ; Body Weight ; Child ; China ; Crime Victims ; statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; psychology ; Psychology, Adolescent