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OBJECTIVE: To investigate over-weight prevalence and socio-demographic and economic correlates in Chinese adolescents. METHODs: Weight, height, waist circumference, and socio-demo-graphic and economic variables of 6863 middle and high school students were measured. RESULTS: 10% of girls and 17% of boys were overweight. Waist circumference and overweight risk were significantly associated with pubertal status (P<0.05). High levels of parental education and family income were significant risk factors for overweight (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: Our findings underscore the need for development of evidence-based and culturally appropriate public health programs to prevent and treat pediatric obesity in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate weight perception and related psychological factors in Chinese adolescents. METHODS: A questionnaire on weight perception, academic performance, stress, hostility, and depression was completed by 6863 middle and high school students. Weight and height were measured. RESULTS: Overweight perception was related to school-related stress and depression in both girls and boys (P<0.01) and to hostility in boys (P<0.01). Perceived over-weight was related to lower GPA in girls only (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Distorted weight perception has a detrimental psychological impact on Chinese adolescents. These findings may contribute to the obesity research and to the development of future effective intervention programs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]