Body shape dissatisfaction and obesity among Taiwanese adolescents

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to estimate the level of body shape dissatisfaction among a large sample of adolescent boys and girls within different weight categories. Methods: A total sample of 883 adolescents aged 12 to 16 was included from junior high schools in Taipei County, Taiwan. The Contour Drawing Rating Scale was used to assess body shape dissatisfaction. Results: Body shape dissatisfaction is prevalent in Taiwanese adolescents, particularly for girls. This is linked to degree of overweight in both boys and girls but is also prevalent in girls who are not overweight or obese. Girls and boys clearly aspire to thinness but some boys would also prefer to be larger. Conclusions: This study extends our understanding of body shape dissatisfaction and its relationship with weight status in eastern cultures such as Taiwan.