Discussion
In 1999, the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health issued a growth chart for males and females which comprised the standards for measuring normal weight and height of Thai children today, and thus made available the tool with which Ideal Weight for Height can be calculated. In contrast, the Body Mass Index with its universally accepted criteria for obesity could vary greatly between ethnic populations and age groups. Many studies(14-17) stated that using BMI criteria to classify obesity should use cut-off points that depended on gender, ethnic and social environment of that population. Thus, when such standardized information was not available,% IWFH based on national weight and height statistics of the Thais provided a reasonable alternative. Mei et al(18) showed that weight for height was as good as the age- and sex-specific body mass index at identifying overweight conditions in Asians. It was interesting to note that the proportion of girls who were willing to be followed for their obesity far exceeded that of boy’s (30% vs. 70%). And in this and other regards, the results from this study largely reflected findings of other studies published by developed countries all over the world. Franklin et al(19) stated that obesity concerns were much more prevalent in girls than boys, although both groups showed negative self-perception, decreased-self esteem and the desire to change their bodyweights(20,21). In a study done by Adam et al(22), obese females overestimated their sizes more than obese males. As a result, adolescent obesity had the potential to create greater negative impact on self- perception and values of girls than boys. Furthermore, being obese is commonly associated with reduced physical attractiveness and significantly correlated with a more negative body image (attractiveness/ self-confidence)(23). A negative body image and low self-esteem are strongly associated with poor opposite-sex peer relationships(24). Tovee et al(25) studied that BMI was the primary predictor of attractiveness. Adolescent girls chose thin body image male than obese as well as adolescent boys chose thin
feminine which is more attractive than obese body image. Our study also showed that adolescents were aware of health implication of obesity and the more obese adolescents were indeed concerned with the potential for medical complications. Hankey et al(26) stated that the main factor for attempting weight loss is to improve health and well-being as well. The findings regarding meal patterns were also typical of this patient population. The fact that the more obese adolescents reported skipping lunch much more frequently than their less obese counterparts was affirmed by findings by Savige et al(27) who mentioned that adolescents who skipped meals tended to snack more frequently and consumed a greater number of calories(28). Regarding exercise and lifestyle, our study did not demonstrate significant difference between the two groups of population, but showed that one-quarter to one-third of either population exercised on a regular basis. Burke et al(29) stated that sedentary behaviors significantly associated with risks of obesity were television viewing as well as Marshall et al(30) showed a statistically significant relationship exists between TV viewing and body fatness among youths.
Conclusion
Overall, the results of our study had shown remarkable consistency with those results published in the world literature. From our study, significantly obese adolescents were shown to have poorer self- image, with greater prevalence being identified in the significantly obese group. This knowledge could be used to guide school-based obesity follow-up programs which would target the significantly obese. By focusing on individual counseling and improvement of body image, personal and nutritional habits, the ultimate goal of sustainable life-long healthful habits could be attained. We conclude factors associated with obesity in adolescents such as psychosocial attitude, eating habits and sedentary behaviors were the same in Thailand as they were in many parts of the world. And the challenges that obese adolescents in Thailand had in maintaining self-image, managing peer pressure and moderating eating habits with physical activity seemed to be a universal theme.
Discussion
In 1999, the Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health issued a growth chart for males and females which comprised the standards for measuring normal weight and height of Thai children today, and thus made available the tool with which Ideal Weight for Height can be calculated. In contrast, the Body Mass Index with its universally accepted criteria for obesity could vary greatly between ethnic populations and age groups. Many studies(14-17) stated that using BMI criteria to classify obesity should use cut-off points that depended on gender, ethnic and social environment of that population. Thus, when such standardized information was not available,% IWFH based on national weight and height statistics of the Thais provided a reasonable alternative. Mei et al(18) showed that weight for height was as good as the age- and sex-specific body mass index at identifying overweight conditions in Asians. It was interesting to note that the proportion of girls who were willing to be followed for their obesity far exceeded that of boy’s (30% vs. 70%). And in this and other regards, the results from this study largely reflected findings of other studies published by developed countries all over the world. Franklin et al(19) stated that obesity concerns were much more prevalent in girls than boys, although both groups showed negative self-perception, decreased-self esteem and the desire to change their bodyweights(20,21). In a study done by Adam et al(22), obese females overestimated their sizes more than obese males. As a result, adolescent obesity had the potential to create greater negative impact on self- perception and values of girls than boys. Furthermore, being obese is commonly associated with reduced physical attractiveness and significantly correlated with a more negative body image (attractiveness/ self-confidence)(23). A negative body image and low self-esteem are strongly associated with poor opposite-sex peer relationships(24). Tovee et al(25) studied that BMI was the primary predictor of attractiveness. Adolescent girls chose thin body image male than obese as well as adolescent boys chose thin
feminine which is more attractive than obese body image. Our study also showed that adolescents were aware of health implication of obesity and the more obese adolescents were indeed concerned with the potential for medical complications. Hankey et al(26) stated that the main factor for attempting weight loss is to improve health and well-being as well. The findings regarding meal patterns were also typical of this patient population. The fact that the more obese adolescents reported skipping lunch much more frequently than their less obese counterparts was affirmed by findings by Savige et al(27) who mentioned that adolescents who skipped meals tended to snack more frequently and consumed a greater number of calories(28). Regarding exercise and lifestyle, our study did not demonstrate significant difference between the two groups of population, but showed that one-quarter to one-third of either population exercised on a regular basis. Burke et al(29) stated that sedentary behaviors significantly associated with risks of obesity were television viewing as well as Marshall et al(30) showed a statistically significant relationship exists between TV viewing and body fatness among youths.
Conclusion
Overall, the results of our study had shown remarkable consistency with those results published in the world literature. From our study, significantly obese adolescents were shown to have poorer self- image, with greater prevalence being identified in the significantly obese group. This knowledge could be used to guide school-based obesity follow-up programs which would target the significantly obese. By focusing on individual counseling and improvement of body image, personal and nutritional habits, the ultimate goal of sustainable life-long healthful habits could be attained. We conclude factors associated with obesity in adolescents such as psychosocial attitude, eating habits and sedentary behaviors were the same in Thailand as they were in many parts of the world. And the challenges that obese adolescents in Thailand had in maintaining self-image, managing peer pressure and moderating eating habits with physical activity seemed to be a universal theme.
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
