Weight and weight concerns: are they associated with reported depressive symptoms in adolescents?
BACKGROUND
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the incidence of obesity, perception of weight, and weight management behaviors in a nationwide sample of adolescents. Further, the relationship between these variables and the adolescents' self-reported depressive symptoms was also explored.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data from 16- to 18-year-olds who participated in the 1999 (n=9795) and 2001 (n=8190) Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System were used for this secondary analysis.


RESULTS
No relationship was found between depressive symptoms and body mass index. However, perception of weight as either underweight or overweight was related to higher depressive symptoms. The risk profile for reporting depressive symptoms includes use of any weight control strategies, female, and perception of weight.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings underscore the importance of addressing adolescents' perceptions of weight in relation to their actual body mass index and psychological well-being.
Daniels
Judi
J
University of Kentucky College of Nursing, Lexington, 40506, USA. Judidaniels@msn.com
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology