Social inequality and gender differences as they relate to high ISO-BMI [Body Mass Index for children] and
WC were associated with low maternal socioeconomic status [SES] among boys < 13 years [mean age = 10.4; n = 65]
and with low paternal education level among boys ≥ 13 years [mean age = 15.0; n = 39] [p < 0.05]. One suggested
explanation for this finding is maternal impact on boys during childhood and the influence of the father as a role
model for adolescent boys. The only association found among girls was between high ISO-BMI in girls ≥ 13 years
[mean age = 15.0; n = 74] and low paternal occupational status. Concerning perception of overweight, age and gender
differences were found, but social inequality was not the case. Among boys and girls < 13 years, perception of
overweight increased only when overweight was actually present according to BMI or WC [p < 0.01]. Girls ≥ 13 years
[mean age = 15.0] were more likely to unrealistically perceive themselves as overweight or “too fat,” despite factual
measurements to the contrary, than boys [p < 0.05] and girls < 13 years [mean age = 10.4; n = 83] [p < 0.001].