Sarah Swan Psychology, Business Administration, and Accounting
Jamie Lynch Associate Professor of Sociology
Presentation Time: April 28, 3:00pm – 3:30pm
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Abstract
This study investigates the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), weight perception, and weight loss behaviors over time in a cohort of young adults. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, 1997, we track changes in BMI and weight perception from ages 12 to 40. Results indicate that while BMI increases over time for all young adults, young men more frequently perceive changes in weight over time compared to young women. Moreover, we find substantial weight perception disparities among young women but not young men. Overall, results indicate that the social perception of weight and weight loss behaviors are closely related to gender and race for young adults.
