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Correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors among adolescents: implications for prevention programs
Dianne Neumark-Sztainer1, Melanie M Wall, Mary Story
1Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, USA. neumark@epi.umn.edu
Abstract:
This study aimed to identify correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in adolescents to guide the development of programs aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating. A model explaining unhealthy weight-control behaviors was tested among 4,746 adolescents using structural equation modeling. Models fit the data well and explained 76% of the variance in unhealthy weight-control behaviors among girls and 63% among boys. Weight-body concerns were a strong correlate of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in both girls and boys. Models also emphasized the importance of weight-specific social norms within the adolescent's proximal environment. Findings suggest the importance of addressing weight-body concerns within prevention programs and extending interventions beyond classroom settings to ensure changes in weight-related norms among peer groups and family members.