The Effects of Sociocultural Pressures, BMI, Weight Perception, and Body Dissatisfaction on Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors among Indonesian Adolescent Girls

Weight control behaviors are prevalent among adolescent girls due to the motivation to avoid obesity and to improve appearance. While some girls use healthy strategies, others may engage in unhealthy or more extreme weight control behaviors (UWCBs). A broad range of studies suggested that adolescents engaging in UWCBs were at risk of a variety of negative consequences, such as greater weight gain and the development of clinical eating disorders. This study examined a theoretical model of the effects of sociocultural pressures, body mass index (BMI) and weight perception on unhealthy weight control behaviors via the mediation of body dissatisfaction among Indonesian adolescent girls. A total of 206 girls completed a questionnaire assessing sociocultural pressures, weight status, weight perception, body dissatisfaction and unhealthy (and extreme) weight control behaviors. A structural equation modeling was conducted to test a hypothetical model. The final model indicated a good fit to the data, with body dissatisfaction mediating the effects of sociocultural pressures, BMI and weight perception on unhealthy weight control behaviors. Weight perception also had direct effects on unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors. Further exploration of the resulting model may contribute to the refinement of intervention programs for weight control problems.