Sheri Stucke, MS, CRNP and A. Serdar Atav, PhD. Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, 607-777-4625, sheri@thestuckes.com

The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship between body weight perceptions, weight control behaviors, dietary behaviors and BMI among a national sample of adolescents. Overweight among the adolescent population ages 12 to 19 have tripled over the past three decades. Overweight is a major public health problem in the United States, but is especially of concern for the adolescent population due to the long term health consequences they are at risk for as adults. Overweight in adolescents may persist into adulthood increasing the risk for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, orthopedic disorders, and certain cancers. Factors such as decreased intake of fruits and vegetables and decreased levels of activity have been associated with these overweight trends. Dietary behaviors demonstrating higher intake of fruits and vegetables are associated with a variety of health benefits. Current recommendations are for everyone to eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Lifetime dietary habits are established early in life; therefore it is important for adolescents to choose healthy foods to develop those healthy dietary behaviors. Self-report height and weight from the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Survey will be used to calculate body mass index and provide a measure of whether students are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. This presentation will focus on adolescent perceptions of body weight, weight control behaviors, dietary behaviors in relation to their BMI and location of residence. Analysis will include demographic data such as age, gender, and ethnicity.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify differences in body weight perceptions, weight control behaviors, dietary behaviors, and BMI among rural, suburban, and urban adolescents in a national sample.
• 2. Analyze relationships between body weight perceptions, weight control behaviors, dietary behaviors, and BMI among adolescents in a national sample.

Keywords: Adolescents, Nutrition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.