What is normal body weight? Perceptions around “average” and “healthy” body weight among adolescents in Indiana

Abstract

Objectives Biological normalcy is a framework that investigates relationship(s) between statistical norms and normative views/beliefs around particular traits. This study assessed the relationships between perceptions of average body weight, healthy body weight, and weight status among adolescents. Methods Adolescents recruited in southcentral Indiana, United States (n = 123) completed online questionnaires for demographics and body weight perceptions. Silhouettes from the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale measured perceived weight status, perceived average body weight, and perceived healthy body weight. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index‐for‐age percentiles. A subsample (n = 11) provided descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies during semi‐structured interviews. Results As perceived average body weight increased, selections of “healthy” silhouettes shifted downward, with smaller female silhouettes being marked healthy more often and larger male silhouettes being marked healthy less often. Additionally, perceived weight status was positively associated with perceptions around average body weight and lowest body weight perceived to be healthy for female and male silhouettes. Qualitative data demonstrated significant overlap in adolescents' descriptions of “average,” “healthy,” and “normal” bodies as well as dual meanings for the term “normal” in adolescents' views of body weight. Conclusions Perceived weight status appears to play a role in adolescents' conceptualizations of average and healthy body weight. Additionally, Qualitative and quantitative data indicated that perceived body weight norms were associated with normative perceptions around what healthy bodies look like. This study demonstrates relationships between statistical norms and normative views around body weight, underscoring the duality in how body weight is understood to be “normal” among adolescents.

“Thin and muscular”: A cross-sectional mixed methods study of people’s descriptions of health.

“…While we were unable to assess changes in the description of health since the onset of the pandemic, the frequent description of weight status, shape, and/or size aligns with prior research (Cullin, 2021; Greville-Harris et al, 2022; Johnson et al, 2013; Wright et al, 2006) and a growing area of research on the detrimental impacts of the frequent attention to weight and health during the pandemic (de Macêdo et al, 2022; Pearl, 2020; Pearl & Schulte, 2021). Attributing weight with health during a period of increased awareness and problematization of weight status may be particularly harmful to health long term, creating a vicious cycle.…”

“…In all four studies, participants described weight status, body shape (e.g., “fat,” “skinny,” or “tone”), and health behaviors. Participants also acknowledged that health is complex, varied, and may look different for everyone (Cullin, 2021; Greville-Harris et al, 2022; Johnson et al, 2013). Additionally, the description of health may differ by sex, with young men focusing less on body shape than young women and more on a state of fitness that is important to engage in physical activities (Wright et al, 2006).…”

“…While self-rated health is frequently assessed as a predictor of mortality and associated with health behaviors (Manderbacka et al, 1999; Schnittker & Bacak, 2014), individual descriptions of health have been less studied. We identified four studies that asked participants to describe health or a healthy body (Cullin, 2021; Greville-Harris et al, 2022; Johnson et al, 2013; Wright et al, 2006). In all four studies, participants described weight status, body shape (e.g., “fat,” “skinny,” or “tone”), and health behaviors.…”