Gender differences in determinants of weight-control behaviours among adolescents in Beirut

To investigate the association between self-esteem, physical activity, engaging in risky behaviours, social and cultural capital, attitudes towards thinness, parental and personal characteristics with weight-control behaviours among adolescents in Beirut, Lebanon.

A community-based cross-sectional study. A stratified cluster sampling design was used and information gathered by means of a questionnaire. Associations were investigated using multinomial logistic regression, accounting for the survey design. Odds ratios were calculated for trying to lose weight, or trying to gain weight, compared with no weight-control behaviour.

The study was conducted in three underprivileged urban areas of Beirut in 2003.

The sample size was 1294 adolescents aged 13-19 years.

Determinants of weight-control behaviour among girls included their attitudes towards thinness (OR(loss) = 4.29, OR(gain) = 0.38), dissatisfaction with weight (OR(loss) = 10.9, OR(gain) = 9.63), engaging in physical activity (OR(loss) = 2.22), smoking (OR(loss) approximately 3) and the mother working (OR(loss) = 2.77). Determinants of weight-control behaviour in boys included their attitudes towards thinness (OR(loss) = 14.7, OR(gain) = 0.35), dissatisfaction with weight (OR(loss) = 15.6, OR(gain) = 17.7), being involved in a cultural activity (OR(gain) = 2.51), engaging in a fight (OR(loss) = 5.25, OR(gain) = 1.64) and engaging in physical activity (OR(loss) = 2.56, OR(gain) = 2.17).

Attitudes towards thinness, weight dissatisfaction and physical activity are common determinants for weight-control among boys and girls, although to varying degrees of influence. Self-esteem, social capital, cultural capital and parental characteristics were not significant predictors when accounting for the other variables.