Body image and C-reactive protein in adolescents.
BACKGROUND
The association between inflammation and obesity is well documented; however, there is little evidence linking physiological markers of inflammation and psychosocial factors such as body image. This study examined the relation between body image and C-reactive protein (CRP).


METHODS
Data were available for 1503 adolescents aged 13 and 16 years in a province-wide survey of a representative sample of youth in Quebec, Canada. Participants completed questionnaires assessing body image indicators of social pressures to lose weight and personal body shape discrepancies, provided a fasting blood sample for CRP, and had height and weight measured.


RESULTS
In separate multivariable logistic regression models for girls and boys, body shape discrepancy was positively associated with CRP (boys: OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4-4.8; girls: OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2-4.3) independent of body mass index, puberty status and socio-demographic variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Adverse biological markers of cardiometabolic risk and negative body image are associated in adolescence. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-known psychological problems, negative body image perceptions may also threaten adolescent's physical health.
Sabiston
C
C
Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montréal, Québec, Canada. catherine.sabiston@mcgill.ca
Castonguay
A
A
Barnett
T
T
O'Loughlin
J
J
Lambert
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001827:Body Height; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011792:Quebec; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss
D002097:C-Reactive Protein