Both guys and girls are concerned about their bodies. These facts show not only how many young people are dieting, but also that there are gender differences.

• A national survey of 11,467 high school students revealed that among high school students,
  
• 44% of the females and
  
• 15% of the males were attempting to lose weight (Serdula et al., 1993).

• Based on a questionnaire administered to 226 college students (98 males and 128 females) concerning weight, body shape, dieting, and exercise history, the authors found that
  
• 26% of the men and
  
• 48% of the women described themselves as overweight.
  
• Women dieted to lose weight whereas men usually exercised (Drewnowski & Yee, 1987).

• A sample of 1,373 high school students revealed that
  
• girls (63%) were four times more likely than boys (16%) to be attempting to reduce weight through exercise and caloric intake reduction.
  
• Boys were three times more likely than girls to be trying to gain weight (28% versus 9%).
  
• The cultural ideal for body shape for men versus women continues to favor slender women and athletic, V-shaped muscular men (Rosen & Gross, 1987)

Source: National Eating Disorders Association [www.edap.org]