Percepção corporal em adolescentes de baixa condição socioeconômica

Abstract

Introduction: Changed body perception because of external influences may constitute a risk factor for eating disorders among adolescents. Objective: This study approached 339 adolescents to map distorted body perceptions building on their anthropometric nutritional state and body perception. Methods: body perception was assessed building on silhouette pictures (scale) and weight perceptions (questionnaire), which were then compared with the body mass index (BMI) according to age. Results: According to the data of perception of body image, the boys were more inclined than the girls to consider themselves underweight. The girls usually considered themselves overweigh (p>0.05). However, the levels of eutrophia were high. Comparing the perception of body image with the participants’ BMI showed overestimation of nutritional state in both genders, especially among females. Among the adolescents with risk of overweight, the boys tended more than the girls to underestimate their nutritional state. Conclusion: The boys were more likely to perceive themselves as having a slim body, whereas the girls tended to considered themselves as being overweight. Significant changes in body perception may pose risks of adolescents’ developing eating disorders.