Abstract

Background: Obesity epidemic has become a public health issue in Indonesia, particularly among children and adolescents. Research on the eating behavior control model, especially on individual belief and ideal body image among Indonesian adolescents, is limited.

Objective: To develop a model of eating behavior control in obese adolescents based on individual belief and ideal body image.

Materials and Methods: Data collected from 120 obese Indonesian adolescents aged 14–18 years in five senior high schools were used. Questionnaires and interviews were used to assess individual characteristic, belief, ideal body image, and social support. Model on eating behavior control was assessed using partial least square.

Result: Individual belief through perceived threat, the threat of weight gain and the potential threat of a disease, leads to improved eating behavior control in obese adolescents. Ideal body image, consisting of appearance, evaluation, orientation, satisfaction, anxiety, and perception, can enhance good eating behavior.

Conclusion: Favorable eating behavior of obese adolescents is affected by individual beliefs and ideal body image. Health educators should consider this issue with young people to develop strategies and intervention more relevant and appropriate.

Key words: Eating behavior, Obese adolescents, Individual belief, Ideal body image