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Body Image, Food Consumption and Physical Activity Associated With Weight Control Behaviours in Adolescents.
Leandro André Vieira Olsson1, Giancarlo Bazarele Machado Bruno2, Felipe Mendes Delpino3
1Postgraduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Body dissatisfaction in adolescents is linked to unhealthy weight control behaviors. Early identification and prevention strategies focusing on body image may be beneficial for high school students.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviors are prevalent among adolescents.
- Understanding the factors associated with these behaviors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the associations between body image, diet, physical activity, and risk behaviors for weight control in high school students.
- To identify potential targets for early identification and prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 802 adolescents (aged 14-20) in southern Brazil.
- Data collected via self-administered questionnaires, including risk behaviors (vomiting, laxative use, weight-loss product use).
- Statistical analysis using Poisson regression, adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of risk behaviors for unhealthy weight control was 4.8%.
- Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of these behaviors (aPR 3.53), particularly in females (aPR 4.59).
- No significant associations were found between diet or physical activity and risk behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Body dissatisfaction is a significant risk factor for harmful weight control behaviors in adolescents.
- Findings support the development of early identification and prevention strategies targeting body image concerns.
- Further research may explore the nuances of gender-specific effects and intervention efficacy.
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