Perception of current and ideal body size in preschool age children

25 girls and 25 boys between the ages of 5 and 7 years indicated their current and desired body size on Collins' figures. The children's weight and height were measured, and the Body Mass Index was calculated. 52% of girls and 44% of boys expressed a wish to become thinner in relation to perception of their own body. Significant sex differences were found in selection of the ideal figure: girls showed greater preferences for a thinner figure than boys. There was a significant correlation between perception of current figure and Body Mass Index for boys but not for girls.