School-based body mass index (BMI) screening and parent notification programs have been advanced as an obesity prevention strategy. However, little is known about how to develop and implement programs. This qualitative study explored the opinions and beliefs of parents of elementary school students concerning school-based BMI screening programs,…

Individuals with Down syndrome typically have low fitness levels and obesity despite data that indicate physiological gains from physical activity and exercise interventions. Low fitness levels and obesity in individuals with Down syndrome may be related to sedentary lifestyles, social and recreational opportunities, or low motivation to be…

Responses of 250 school nurses to a questionnaire regarding childhood obesity revealed that most believed that normal weight was important to children's health and that they should be role models by maintaining normal weight. Most also found child and parent weight loss counseling difficult and that schools should do more to alleviate childhood…

This study examined the validity and reliability of a short obesity knowledge scale. A 12-item test was developed covering etiology of obesity, diseases related to obesity, weight loss techniques, and general information on obesity. Four test formats were compared, revealing that the scale needs further validation. (Author/MT)

Investigated disturbances in body image perception with anorexic, obese and control groups. Significant difference was found among the groups in perception of present-self body image, body image at plus 10 pounds, and minus 10 pounds. A directional trend was noted in anorexic overestimation and obese underestimation on the total concept of body…

Compared purging bulimics (N=26), non-purging bulimics (N=24), and controls with no apparent eating problems, on personality and demographic variables. Results linked bulimics with low self-esteem, high anxiety, external locus of control, and high incidence of maternal and family obesity. No significant differences were found between purgers and…

This review focuses on a classification of the concept of obesity, childhood growth patterns, current diagnostic procedures, physiological and psychological implications, etiology, environmental influences, and the special needs of the obese child. Obesity is viewed as a medical condition requiring medical and educational interventions. (Author/RH)

Describes the Stanford Adolescent Weight Loss Camp, which taught eating and exercise skills to 25 overweight adolescents. At posttreatment, reductions were achieved in weight, with improved habits and weight management concepts. Parent and participant assessment of the camp was very positive. (JAC)

Measured video-image representations of body size for 68 females undergoing weight reduction counseling. All judged themselves significantly more obese than they actually were. After therapy, more realistic estimates of their physiques ensued. Dropouts saw themselves as significantly more obese than those who graduated from the program. (JAC)

A review of traditional (such as psychotherapy) and behavioral approaches (such as self-monitoring and reinforcement) to obesity treatment of mentally retarded students led to the conclusion that the behavioral orientation was more successful. Implications for initiating such programs include thorough training, voluntary participation, and parent…

Tests the degree of generalization from attributions of "overweight" to other personality attributions made by college students (N=223). Students were asked to write stories about male and female stimulus characters who varied only in body image. (CM)

Compared body image of obese high school girls and those attending a weight-loss clinic. Results showed girls in the clinic program perceived themselves as heavier than their counterparts. Both groups used uncomplimentary adjectives to describe their appearance. No significant difference was found in articulation of body concept. (Author/JAC)

Reviews previous research concerning locus of control and irrational beliefs. Presents a study of females in a weight control program, who exhibited no relationships between irrationality and locus of control. Subscales of the Irrational Beliefs Test varied with program success. Use of the Internal External Locus of Control Scale is questioned.…

Describes common methodological inadequacies in research on treatment of obesity and suggests alternatives. Importance of multiple measurement of outcome is emphasized. Merits of alternative single-subject and between-groups experimental designs are discussed. Reasons for conspicuous lack of long-term follow-ups are analyzed. Recommendations for…

In comprehensive wieght loss program, overweight women exposed to instruction in self-standard setting and to situational management techniques lost more weight than those instructed only in situational management techniques. Findings illustrate facilitative effect of teaching individuals to set specific, objective, and realistic goals for eating…