The effect of history of teasing on body dissatisfaction and intention to eat healthy in overweight and obese subjects.

BACKGROUND Obesity has become a health problem in western Europe and Belgium. In Belgium, 54% of the males and 40% of the females are overweight. A high percentage of overweight kids endure teasing because of their weight. The effect of history of teasing on body dissatisfaction and the intention to eat healthy is studied. METHODS In a sample of 239 overweight and obese participants with a history of teasing about their weight, factors contributing to weight-controlling behaviour were studied to gain more insight into the understanding of the lack of such behaviour. By means of a path model, the intention to eat healthy was estimated by body mass index (BMI), social norm, internalization, history of teasing, body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy. RESULTS History of teasing and social norm had a direct effect on body dissatisfaction as well as an indirect effect through internalization. BMI appeared to have no effects. Both body dissatisfaction and self-efficacy had effects on the intention to eat healthy. CONCLUSION Self-efficacy has a large effect on intention to eat healthy and should be heightened. The environmental factors contribute to high body dissatisfaction. This high body dissatisfaction, however, does not have a large effect on the intention to eat healthy.