Pathways between BMI and adherence to weight management in adolescence

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science
• Psychology

Background:

• Understanding adherence mechanisms in overweight adolescents is crucial for effective weight management.
• Key variables include body mass index (BMI), body self-esteem (BSE), and positive perspective of life (PPL).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if BMI predicts self-efficacy/adherence (SEA) and perception of benefits (PB) in adolescents.
• To examine the mediating role of perceived quality of life (PQL) in the relationship between BMI and weight management outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Structural equation modeling was employed with a sample of 112 adolescents.
• Investigated the direct and indirect effects of BMI on SEA and PB, with PQL as a potential mediator.

Main Results:

• Body mass index (BMI) did not directly predict self-efficacy/adherence (SEA) or perception of benefits (PB).
• Perceived quality of life (PQL) was identified as a significant mediator between BMI and both SEA and PB.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents' adherence to weight management and perception of benefits are not solely determined by BMI.
• Improving perceived quality of life (PQL) is a critical factor for enhancing weight management adherence in overweight adolescents.
• Future interventions should shift focus from BMI alone to holistic quality of life improvements.