Abstract
The purpose of this study is to collect fundamental data for weight control education based on obesity, weight control practices and body image in female college students. Those surveyed were 364 female college students attending universities in Seoul, Kyoung-Gi and Chung Cheung Buk Do. The data were collected from June 1, 1999 to September 10, 1999. The resulting data are as follows: 1. The mean BMI of the female college students was 19.78:t1.87kg/$\textrm{m}^2$, which comes within the range of normal weight. Underweight, normal weight and overweight students were respectively 27.2%, 66.8% and 5.5%. As many as 7.1% of the underweight students and 42.8% of the normal weight students described themselves as being "fatty". 2. Of these subjects, 83.5% reported wanting to lose weight, and the primary reason of weight control was to improve their appearance. The mean weight that they wanted to lose was 5.2$\pm$2.7kg, and 68.7% of the respondents had tried to lose weight. Among them, the most frequently reported weight control behavior was dieting followed by exercise, 30% reported fasting, 3.6% reported using drugs, 4.4% reported smoking and 3.6% reported vomiting. As to the weight loss effect, 96.7% of the subjects used behavior modification, 82.5% of the students exercised, and 76.1% of the dieters reported they had lost weight. 3. As to body image, many female college students were dissatisfied with their body figures, especially thighs(70.3%), hips(60.4%), abdomens(60.2%), and weight(55.2%). The body image of the students that perceived themselves as "fatty" was the lowest. 4. There were significant differences in the mean weight that they wanted to lose and the weight control attempts according to weight perception. Those that perceived themselves as "fatty" wanted to lose more weight, and had more weight control experiences. In conclusion, attempts at weight control are common in the female college students and many students appear to be dissatisfied with their body shapes. It is important to educate about healthy weight control methods and raise their awareness of the positive body image.ss of the positive body image.