Obesity, Fat & Calorie Awareness of Adolescents
Weight & Obesity Study Aim
This weight study examined the effects of socio-economic status (SES)
on the obesity knowledge of adolescents in six Latin American cities.
Weight & Obesity Study Method
Data were collected using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire
consisting of demographic questions and a 25-item multiple-choice obesity
knowledge test. Test items were clustered under five topics: the fat and
calorie content of foods and beverages; weight loss methods; energy expenditure;
food preparation methods; and the relationship between obesity and health.
Weight & Obesity Results
Mean test scores reflected a low level of obesity knowledge among adolescents
from higher and lower SES groups in all six cities. Nevertheless, a trend
for higher scores emerged in favor of adolescents from wealthier families.
This income effect persisted after controlling for gender and weight status.
The weakest knowledge areas among youth from the higher SES groups were
food preparation methods and the relationship between obesity and health
while those for adolescents from the lower SES groups were the fat and
calorie content of foods and beverages and the relationship between obesity
and health. Classroom instruction about obesity was generally more available
to students from the higher SES groups. The majority of adolescents from
both SES groups were interested in learning more about weight loss methods,
energy expenditure, and the fat and calorie content of foods and beverages.
The topic of least interest was the relationship between obesity and health.
Weight & Obesity Conclusion
These preliminary findings suggest a need for more obesity education programs
for adolescents, especially for those living in poverty.
Source: International Journal of Obesity
(2001)
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