Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the degree of obesity stress and analyze factors having an effect on obesity stress among college women.
METHOD
The subjects were 347 female students from a university in J City. Data were collected using a self-report questionnaire for general characteristics, health-related characteristics, and current and preferred somatotype. Obesity stress was measured using 10 items developed by Cho (1996) based on Body Attitudes Questionnaire (BAQ) of Ben-Tovim and Walker (1991). The survey was conducted from September 4 to September 7, 2007. Data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe test, Spearman's rank correlation test, and stepwise multiple regression using SPSS 14.0.
RESULTS
The average score of obesity stress was 2.78+/-0.90 out of 5.00. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the major factors that affect obesity stress of female college students were perceived body shape, disagreement between current and preferred somatotype, history of weight control, body mass index (BMI), and perceived health status, and these factors explained 38.4% of obesity stress.
CONCLUSION
Subjective judgment in the perception of or preference for body shape was the most important factor affecting obesity stress in female college students. Therefore, a plan is necessary to mitigate obesity stress and evaluate individually subjects who perceive themselves to be fat or want to be thinner than the current somatotype. And consultation and constant management are needed to help the high risk group (experience of weight control, BMI > or =23kg/m2, not good health status).

• Keywords: Obesity;Stress;Body Weight;Somatotypes;Health Status;