Evaluation of body shape, eating disorders and weight management related parameters in black female students of rural and urban origins

This study examined body shape dissatisfaction, eating disorder and weight management-related parameters as well as assimilation of Western cultural n orms regarding body shape in black female students of urban and rural origi ns. Subjects (n = 180; 20 +/- 4,4 years old) were weighed, their height was measured and they completed the Body Shape Questionnaire, EAT-26, Eating I nventory (restraint scale), Adolescent Self-concept Scale and a questionnai re concerning weight management behaviours. Main findings include lower pre valences of overestimation of body weight and body shape dissatisfaction, s imilar prevalences for dieting and the use of hazardous weight reduction me thods, and higher prevalences for overweight, obesity, disordered eating at titudes and behaviours, and dietary restraint among subjects than among sim ilar white groups. Furthermore, those with urban origins were more likely t o be restrained eaters, to have attempted weight reduction, to aim for weig ht loss and to fear weight gain. These data indicate that there are signs o f more realism concerning weight status among black female students. Howeve r, there are also signs of assimilation of Western cultural norms concernin g body shape, eating attitudes and behaviours and weight management. This d iversity in the black student population in South Africa needs to be recogn ized when planning interventions to address eating related problems.