Knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors related to weight control, eating disorders, and body image in Australian trainee home economics and physical education teachers

Abstract

Objective: To examine the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about weight control and eating disorders among trainee home economics and physical education teachers and to assess their body image and weight control practices. The association between actual body weight and body image was also examined.

Design: Survey research was undertaken using a self-report questionnaire. Height and weight were measured.

Subjects/settings: Trainee home economics and physical education teachers (N = 216, 96% participation rate) in their last month of training at three major state teacher training universities completed a questionnaire during their regular class times.

Main outcome measures: Advice teachers give to overweight adolescents knowledge and beliefs about eating disorders, body image, desired weight, food habits, dieting, body appearance ratings, weight control practices, and diagnosed and self-reported eating disorders.

Statistical analysis performed: Descriptive statistics, chi square, and analyses of variance compare gender and Body Mass Index differences.

Results: Males (85%) and females (87%) advised young overweight adolescents to diet to lose weight. Twenty percent of females and 13% of males regularly skipped breakfast. The advise given showed a lack of specific nutrition education about weight control, adolescent nutritional needs, and fad diets. Participants held misconceptions about eating disorders, and a range of 14% to 72% answered these questions incorrectly. Fourteen percent of females self-reported that they currently had an eating disorder, but only 6% had received treatment. Some females used potentially dangerous methods of weight loss, including 19% who abused laxatives and 10% who induced vomiting.

Implications: Trainee home economics and physical education teachers need specific nutrition information and training about eating disorders, weight control, and suitable advice for overweight students. The female trainee teachers in our study had a poor body image and disordered eating similar to other young women in Western countries, and this should be taken into account by teacher training institutions.