RESUMO
PROBLEM: Adolescence is regarded as a period in which adolescents go through a number of physical changes in appearance and a transition from childhood to adulthood. Throughout this transitional period, adolescents become more concerned with their size and weight. The aim of this study was to determine the self-perceived weights status of adolescents 11-19 years old. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 1459 students, aged 11-19 years, in Turkey. Anthropometric measurements of weight and height were measured with appropriate tools and adolescents' self-perception of weight status was assessed by the Figure Rating Scale. FINDINGS: Nearly half of the adolescents had misperceptions about their weight status (49.6%). There was a significant association between body mass index (BMI) z-score categories and weight status misperception. Overall, the weight status misperception was more common among the girls than boys. CONCLUSION: Misperception of weight status in adolescent should take into account the following: development of intervention programs aimed at screening weight and weight perception, empowering young people to have accurate weight status perception, and raising awareness of the issue in school health professionals.