This study compared weight and body image behaviors in 9th-12th graders. The 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey was administered to a statewide random sample of 9th-12th graders in public high schools in South Carolina (N=3179). The results showed a statistically significant difference when comparing black females and black males to white females and white males with respect to describing weight (p<.0001), doing about weight (p<.0001), exercising to lose weight (p<.0001), dieting to lose weight (p<.0001), fasting to lose weight (p<.0001), using pills to lose weight (p<.0001), vomiting to lose weight (p<.0001), and influence that makes you concerned about weight (p<.0001). A statistically significant difference was observed among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders with respect to exercising to lose weight (p<.0001) and fasting to lose weight (p<.0001). Weight and body image concerns appear to increase as students progress from 9th to 12th grades. With respect to food eaten in the past 5 school days, a statistically significant difference was observed among black females, black males, white females, and white males with respect to eating breakfast (p<.0001) and buying food from the snack bar or from vending machines (p<.0001). A statistically significant difference was observed among 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders with respect to buying food from the snack bar or from vending machines (p<.0001). Involvement in PA, exercising, and involvement in PE appears to decline as students progress from 9th to 12th grades. These results can be used to make inferences regarding the health-risk behaviors of South Carolina adolescents.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Weight Management, Health Behavior
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