Purpose: The purpose of this study classified underweight, normal weight and overweight group based on BMI calculated from heights and weights of college female students and examined subjective body image percrptionand weight control practices by body...
Purpose: The purpose of this study classified underweight, normal weight and overweight group based on BMI calculated from heights and weights of college female students and examined subjective body image percrptionand weight control practices by body mass index (BMI). Methods: Those surveyed were 211 female college students attending in Dae-gu. The data collected from June 1, 2008 to June 20, 2008. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ<sup>2</sup>-test, and t-test with SPSS 12.0 for windows program. Results: There were 63.5% of normal weight, 19.4% of overweight and 17.1% of underweight by BMI index among 211 students. Regarding recognition about own body image, most of them did not recognize their own body image properly and many students among them thought 'I am fat'(42.7%). In BMI index, underweight students recognized that their body image is normal and overweight students thought as overweight. There was statistically significant difference. Less weight, they satisfied their own body image. More body weight, less satisfaction. It presented statistically significant difference .In the result about ideal body image recognized by college female students, there was 65.9% that recognized thin body is ideal and normal weight students thought that thin body is ideal. Overweight students recognized that normal body image is ideal. There were statistically significantly difference. Conclusion; In this study, students' mean BMI were normal level; however, they did not satisfy their body image subjectively and thought 'I am fat'. Also, they preferred thin body. Therefore, they should know the exact standard of obesity degree and the difference between subjective and objective obesity degree, thereby recognizing their own body image correctly. Besides, it is necessary to study development of accurate scale for body image recognition and to prepare various programs and education helping body weight management.