Perceptions of Body Weight, Weight Management Strategies, and Depressive Symptoms Among US College Students

Objective: To determine if inaccurate body weight perception predicts unhealthy weight management strategies and to determine the extent to which inaccurate body weight perception is associated with depressive symptoms among US college students. Participants: Randomly selected male and female college students in the United States (N = 97,357). Methods: Data were from the 2006 National College Health Assessment. Analyses were conducted on students' body weight perceptions, weight loss strategies, and feelings of depression. Results: Females with an inflated body weight perception were significantly more likely to engage in unhealthy weight management strategies and report depressive symptoms than were females with an accurate body weight perception. Conclusions: College women are concerned with weight and will take action to lose weight. Colleges may need to focus more on interventions targeting both diet and physical activity while also promoting positive body image.