The purpose of this study was to investigate self-esteem, body image, body cathexis and body attitude of female middle school students. A total of 298 subjects were included in this study. Subjects were classified into weight control group and a non weight control group. As a result of analyzing body shapes satisfaction was higher in the non weight control group 2.83 than in the weight control group 2.28 (p<0.001). The weight control group revealed lower body satisfaction than the non weight control group. The result of the reason for weight control was the ratio of ‘weight loss’ 84.6%, respectively (p<0.001). Factors impacting physical image of female middle school students were analyzed as friends (3.46), internet (3.22), and TV (3.13). Results suggest that educational program should be combined with a positive emphasis on physical image and self-esteem for female middle school students. Also, there was a high correlation between body weight and self-esteem. Results indicate that female middle school students are interested in weight loss with the wrong body image. Therefore, female middle school students should be provided with an educational approach to such issues so that they have a realistic perception of their body and form realistic values about self-esteem and body.

• 송현정(단국대학교 식품영양학과) | Hyun Jung Song (Dept. of Food and Nutrition, Dankook University, Yongin 16890, Korea) Corresponding author