Files
Abstract
Obesity prevalence may influence weight perception and related behaviors among adolescents. Using 2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (n=11,972), we examined associations between community obesity prevalence, weight perception, and behaviors, with multivariate logistic regression stratified by sex. Overweight adolescents in high-prevalence areas were less likely to perceive themselves as overweight (girls OR=0.62; boys OR=0.58). Perceived overweight was linked to lower physical activity and higher extreme dieting. High obesity prevalence increased extreme dieting among normal-weight adolescents but was not associated with physical activity. Weight perception did not mediate these relationships. Findings suggest community-level interventions may help address obesity without stigmatization.