Accuracy of Perception of Body Size Among Overweight Latino Preadolescents After a 6-Month Physical Activity Skills Building Intervention

作者：Gesell Sabina B^*; Scott Theresa A; Barkin Shari L

来源：Clinical Pediatrics, 2010, 49(4): 323-329.

DOI：10.1177/0009922809339386

• obesity
• body mass index
• physical activity
• Hispanic Americans
• randomized controlled trial

Background. Previous research has shown that overweight Latino children underestimate their body size. Erroneous perception of body size may have important health and behavioral implications and serve as a significant barrier to weight control. Objective. The aim of this study was to determine whether children's perceptions of their body size became more accurate following a pediatric obesity intervention focused on increasing physical activity. Design/methods. This analysis includes 61 overweight (body mass index >= 85%) Latino children (aged 8-11 years) parent child dyads who completed a pilot randomized control trial. Results. After the intervention, 40.7% (11/27) of children in the intervention group rated their body size accurately compared with 21.2% (7/33) in the control group. The difference indicates a trend toward significance (P = .09). Conclusions. Participating in monthly physical activity skill building sessions may increase children's accuracy in body size perception. This may be an important first step toward behavior modification.

• 出版日期2010-4