Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Factors associated with prospective changes in weight control intentions among adolescents
Kristen M Lucibello1, Mahmood R Gohari2, Scott T Leatherdale2
1Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
Introduction:
The present study examined predictors of negative changes in weight control intentions from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among adolescents.
Methods:
Participants were Canadian secondary school students enrolled in the COMPASS study and had completed self-report surveys before (T1; 2018/2019 and/or 2019/2020 school year) and during (T2; 2020/2021 and/or 2021/2022) the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 11,869, Mage ± SD = 13.79 years old ± 1.15, 52.89% girls, 45.30% boys, 1.81% gender diverse). Demographic, interpersonal, behavioral, and psychological predictors of weight control intention change from T1 (stay the same weight, not doing anything about weight) to T2 (lose weight, gain weight) were tested using multilevel logistic regressions.
Results:
Over one-third (37.0%) of adolescents who reported wanting to stay the same weight at T1 changed their intention to lose or gain weight at T2, as did 28.5% of adolescents who reported not wanting to do anything about their weight at T1. Changing weight control intention from "not doing anything about weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with resistance training, emotion dysregulation, bullying, social media use, and gender. Changing weight control intention from "stay the same weight" at T1 to weight gain/loss at T2 was associated with gender, perceived financial comfort, social media use, and flourishing.
Conclusions:
Results highlight the prevalence of maladaptive weight control intention changes among adolescents, and elucidate related behavioral, interpersonal, demographic, and psychological factors. Findings can inform targeted intervention and prevention strategies to disrupt maladaptive changes in weight control intentions among high-risk subgroups.
Related Concept Videos
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Bulimia Nervosa
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

