Body Image, Food Consumption and Physical Activity Associated With Weight Control Behaviours in Adolescents

Body dissatisfaction and unhealthy weight control behaviours are common during adolescence. We examined associations between body image, diet, physical activity, and risk behaviours for weight control among high school students.

This cross-sectional study included 802 adolescents from five municipalities in southern Brazil, including 795 aged 14-19 years and seven aged 20 years. Data were collected between May and June 2022 using self-administered questionnaires based on the National School Health Survey. Risk behaviours were defined as vomiting, laxative use, or use of weight-loss products in the previous 30 days. Associations were analysed using Poisson regression with robust variance, adjusted for age, sex, maternal education, and socioeconomic status.

The sample included 802 adolescents, 50.0% male, with a mean age of 16.7 years (range 14-20). The prevalence of risk behaviours was 4.8%. Body dissatisfaction was associated with a higher likelihood of these behaviours (adjusted prevalence ratio 3.53, 95% confidence interval 1.65-7.53), with stronger effects among females (4.59, 1.33-15.78). No significant associations were found for diet or physical activity.

Body dissatisfaction was associated with harmful weight control behaviours in adolescents and may support early identification and prevention strategies.