Table 4 Comparison of advice received by students from parents/carers about their weight status and eating habits and students' corresponding beliefs and weight related behaviours.

Advice received from parents/carers - "I am told that I ....

Should lose weight

3.4 (12)

8.0 ^a (445)

30.2^ab (439)

51.8^abc (264)

1077.03

***

Do not eat enough

41.3 (148)

21.1^a (1183)

10.8^ab (158)

7.7^ab (39)

235.09

***

Eat too much

10.2 (36)

15.5^a (860)

26.6^ab (383)

42.8^abc (216)

299.83

***

Beliefs & Behaviours

I have good eating habits

70.7 (251)

76.3 (4250)

68.0^b (979)

62.3^b (314)

78.81

***

I am currently trying to lose weight

4.5 (16)

22.6^a (1259)

56.9^ab (828)

74.8^abc (376)

1202.54

***

I am currently trying to gain weight

31.8 (114)

10.0^a (559)

2.6^ab (38)

2.6^ab (13)

324.71

***

I diet to lose weight

7.5 (26)

24.6^a (1360)

47.5^ab (689)

60.3^abc (302)

587.8

***

I diet to gain weight

21.7 (77)

7.5^a (403)

3.1^ab(42)

5.4^a (25)

147.1

***

I eat more when I am bored or sad

   Boys

30.8 (46)

31.9 (872)

29.3 (202)

33.4 (93)

2.26

NS

   Girls

55.8 (116)

52.7 (1505)

53.1 (406)

59.0 (135)

3.8

NS