Table 2 Self-reported weight control attempts and weight control behaviors by body image perception among normal weight high school students

 Doing nothing to control weight

66.5 ± 0.6

54.5 ± 0.7

40.3 ± 0.7

54.8 ± 0.6

<0.001

 Making an effort to lose weight

9.1 ± 0.4

30.6 ± 0.8

49.6 ± 0.7

28.6 ± 0.7

 Making an effort to gain weight

18.4 ± 0.6

2.7 ± 0.2

0.4 ± 0.1

6.9 ± 0.3

 Making an effort to maintain weight

5.9 ± 0.3

12.1 ± 0.3

9.8 ± 0.4

9.7 ± 0.2

Weight control behaviors

(n = 2,024)

(n = 4,309)

(n = 2,925)

(n = 9,258)

 Doing regular exercise

70.0 ± 0.9

69.3 ± 0.8

66.1 ± 0.9

68.5 ± 0.5

<0.01

 Fasting (≥24 h)

5.4 ± 0.5

8.6 ± 0.5

10.4 ± 0.6

8.5 ± 0.3

<0.001

 Eating less

29.1 ± 1.4

73.4 ± 1.0

88.0 ± 0.7

68.1 ± 1.1

<0.001

 Taking prescription weight loss medication

1.3 ± 0.2

1.0 ± 0.2

1.6 ± 0.2

1.3 ± 0.1

0.085

 Taking non-prescription weight loss medication

1.4 ± 0.2

1.5 ± 0.2

3.2 ± 0.3

2.0 ± 0.1

<0.001

 Taking laxatives or diuretics

1.8 ± 0.3

2.1 ± 0.2

3.3 ± 0.3

2.4 ± 0.2

<0.01

 Vomiting

2.0 ± 0.3

2.3 ± 0.2

3.5 ± 0.3

2.6 ± 0.2

<0.01

 Eating one-food diet

2.9 ± 0.3

6.7 ± 0.4

9.5 ± 0.5

6.7 ± 0.3

<0.001

 Taking Chinese medicine

7.8 ± 0.6

3.0 ± 0.3

3.1 ± 0.3

4.1 ± 0.2

<0.001

 Eating food substitute

3.7 ± 0.4

8.0 ± 0.4

12.8 ± 0.7

8.5 ± 0.3

<0.001