Abstract

TEIXEIRA, António et al. Anthropometric assessment and self-perception among primary schoolchildren in Valongo. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2019, n.18, pp.14-18. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn2019.1803.

Overweight among children is a serious public health problem, with repercussions in health and quality of life, both in the present and long term. The aims of this study were to characterize primary schoolchildren regarding anthropometry and body image (current and desired), to evaluate satisfaction with body image, and to relate children’s weight status with their body image perception and satisfaction. For this cross-sectional study a representative sample of primary schoolchildren in the municipality of Valongo was selected. Anthropometric (weight and height) and body image (current and desired) assessments were made. From a total of 481 children whose data were analyzed (52.2% females), respectively 112, 123, 139 and 107 attended the first, second, third and fourth school years. The proportion of overweight or obese children was 41.0% among girls and 35.7% among boys. About seven out of ten children desired a body image different from their current one, one out of eight desired an image corresponding to low weight, and children with higher body mass index selected lower desired images. The results highlight the need for food policies and interventions promoting simultaneously an healthy weight and height progression and an adequate body image perception, taking into account the personal and contextual features of the target individuals and groups.

Keywords : Schoolchildren; Self-perception; Anthropometric assessment; Body image; Satisfaction.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )