Casting weight goal as a function of weight status among a representative population-based sample of adolescents.
This paper pursues two objectives: (1) to estimate proportions of adolescents with a weight goal that matched and mismatched weight status, and (2) to identify correlates of a mismatched weight goal. Data were from a representative population-based sample of adolescents (n=2346, 51% female; 91.5% complete data). Results showed that 69% of adolescents had a weight goal that matched weight status whereas 31% had a weight goal that mismatched weight status. Body dissatisfaction was a significant predictor of having a mismatched weight goal for both sexes while elevated psychological distress was a predictor among girls. Being body dissatisfied mediated the association between psychological distress and having a mismatched weight goal among girls. Casting weight goal as a function of weight status may allow for a better understanding of overall weight management strategies.
Roy
Mathieu
M
Department of Social & Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada. mathieu.roy.3@umontreal.ca
Gauvin
Lise
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000367:Age Factors; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011792:Quebec; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss