Body dissatisfaction and dieting among adolescent females in the Republic of Ireland (ROI)

Abstract

PurposeIt is widely acknowledged that eating habits established during adolescence can follow on into adulthood. Consequently, the fact that body dissatisfaction and dieting are very prevalent among adolescent females offers some cause for concern. The aim of this study is to determine body satisfaction/dissatisfaction levels, body weight concerns and dieting practices among a sample of 400 adolescent (13‐17 years) females in the Republic of Ireland (ROI).Design/methodology/approachA total of 400 female adolescents attending either a fee‐paying school or a school within a disadvantaged catchment area, in both rural and urban areas (four schools in total), completed a self‐administered questionnaire within the school setting during class time.FindingsHigh levels of body shape dissatisfaction and dieting existed, with 80 per cent (n = 320) of the girls stating that it was important for them to be thin and 49 per cent (n = 197) engaging in some form of dieting behaviour. Younger respondents were more likely to be satisfied with their current body shape and not dieting than older adolescents. Indeed, the results demonstrated a statistically significant difference (F = 6.854, df = 3, p < 0.001) between the mean ages of respondents who were dissatisfied with their body shape and had dieted.Originality/valueThere remains potential for educational intervention that will encourage healthy eating practices as opposed to dieting among this target group and particularly within the school setting.