The effect of perceived body shapes on the desire to be thin in fifth and sixth graders in elementary school

Abstract

In this study, we ascertained the situation regarding distorted perceptions of body shape, which are becoming apparent in young children, from questionnaire surveys targeting fifth and sixth graders in elementary school. We conducted research and an investigation in order to study the impact on their desire to be thin caused by perceptions of obesity and their own body shapes. Subsequently, obsessions with being thin were seen in not only girls but also boys. Yet, in the desired body shape category, a significantly large percentage of girls in the group over-evaluated. Consequently, recognition of their body shapes and a desire to be thin can be said to be related to girls in fifth and sixth grade. In this study, fifth and sixth graders' obsessions with being thin and aversion to being fat became partially clear. It is necessary to recognize their body shapes correctly so that children whose height and weight will increase as secondary sexual characteristics appear do not end up being on a wrong diet and do not become extremely obsessed with being thin. To this end, a correct understanding of their own growth and development plus positive recognition are considered to be important. Furthermore, it is necessary to increase awareness not only in children in puberty when they increase their self-consciousness but also in young children, and it is considered that this will lead to retention and improvement of children's mental and physical health in the future.