Correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors among adolescents: implications for prevention programs.
This study aimed to identify correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in adolescents to guide the development of programs aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating. A model explaining unhealthy weight-control behaviors was tested among 4,746 adolescents using structural equation modeling. Models fit the data well and explained 76% of the variance in unhealthy weight-control behaviors among girls and 63% among boys. Weight-body concerns were a strong correlate of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in both girls and boys. Models also emphasized the importance of weight-specific social norms within the adolescent's proximal environment. Findings suggest the importance of addressing weight-body concerns within prevention programs and extending interventions beyond classroom settings to ensure changes in weight-related norms among peer groups and family members.
Neumark-Sztainer
Dianne
D
Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55454, USA. neumark@epi.umn.edu
Wall
Melanie M
MM
Story
Mary
M
Perry
Cheryl L
CL
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001828:Body Image; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D016730:Program Development; D012737:Sex Factors; D015431:Weight Loss