Body weight perception and associated factors: a case of female adolescent’s (Morocco)

Background: Adolescence is associated with many physical and psychological changes, it is described as a period when body weight changes and is likely to become worrying for many adolescents. Aim: This study aims to evaluate associations between body weight perception and body mass index (BMI) among a population of female adolescent’s. Methods: A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted from February to May 2017 among 12–19 years olds adolescents (n = 415) from high and middle school. BMI for age percentiles was calculated using the WHO AnthroPlus. Body weight perception was determined using an anonymous questionnaire. Results: The prevalence of body weight misconception was positively associated with the participants age (p < 0.001), the occurrence of menarche (p < 0.05), the increasing of BMI (p < 0.001), and with habits diet satisfaction (p < 0.05). Overweighed participants and who’s with normal weight were more likely to perceive their weight incorrectly (p < 0.05). Furthermore, approximately 2.9% of participants underestimated their true body weight and 57.1% overestimated their weight. However, all participants with underweight had correctly perceived their body weight. Conclusion: It is recommended to improve healthy programs in schools aimed at preventing body weight perception and eating problems among adolescents. Keywords:  Body Weight, Perception, BMI, Female Adolescent’s, Morocco