Factors influencing weight control among female high school students in the Bangkok metropolitan area

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to describe weight control among female high school students in Bangkok and to determine predictors of weight control. Data were collected from 161 female high school students who were selected by multi-stage sampling. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis and stepwise multiple regression analysis The findings revealed that female high school students in Bangkok reported moderate levels of weight control behavior. Factors related to weight control among female high school students in Bangkok were perceived health status, level of depression, parental bonding, knowledge about weight control, attitudes toward weight control, perceived self-efficacy in controlling weight, perceived enabling factors in assessing accessibility and availability of health services. Three predictive factors towards weight control were: (1) perceived self-efficacy in controlling weight; (2) family relations, particularly father’s care and protection; and (3) perceived accessibility and availability of health services; these factors taken together explain 18% of weight control behavior among female high school students in Bangkok. The findings suggest that health promotion activities regarding perceived self-efficacy on weight control should be undertaken with female high school students. Family relations, particularly the father’s care and protection, should be strengthened. In addition, school and community policies should encourage the development of more facilities to promote appropriate weight control, such as exercise programs, health food stores, and health promotion activities. In addition, schools should have a screening program for those with family problems or those with depression to evaluate the levels of weight control among such students.