Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine whether Body Mass Index(BMI) and the subjective perception of body weight, and body shape satisfaction predictlevel of self-esteem and depression among female college students. Method: The samplecomprised of 124 female college students ranging in age from 16-21 years. Selfperception of having a weight problem was evaluated by open-ended questions and BodyShape Questionnaire. In addition, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and General HealthQuestionnaire-28 was administered. Results: Based on BMI 29.0% were under weight,67.8% normal and 3.2% over weight. Rating of self-perception of body shape showedthat 38.7% felt that they were slim, 27.4% normal and 26.6% as thin. Eighty six percentof the subjects desired to be slim. The perception of weight problem but not BMIcontributed significantly to higher scores on GHQ. There was a significant positivecorrelation between BSQ scores and BMI, age, and weight. Conclusions: Health careproviders need to educate female adolescents about normal weight range, proper diet andexercise. In addition, health care providers need to help them attain a realistic, positiveperception of their weight in order to prevent depression and lowered self-esteem.
Latha et al. (Sat,) studied this question.