Factors influencing weight control practices amongst the adolescent girls in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

BACKGROUND: The incidence of overweight is increasing amongst adolescents in many countries around the world. Healthy and unhealthy weight control practices are common amongst overweight and non-overweight adolescents. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing weight control practices amongst adolescent girls. SETTING: The study was conducted at selected secondary schools of Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa. METHODS: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. Non-probability, purposive sampling was used to select adolescents who are practicing weight control. In-depth interviews were conducted with 30 participants. Data were analysed according to Tesch’s open-coding method. RESULTS: This study revealed that adolescent girls are influenced by a variety of factors to control their weights. These included individual factors, such as body image dissatisfaction; family factors, caused by parental criticism about adolescent weight; and environmental factors, which contain peer group endorsement of dieting. CONCLUSION: Adolescents are exposed to many unhealthy weight control practices, as a way of controlling excess weight. So it is of importance for healthcare providers to make them aware of healthy practices.