Patterns in weight reduction behaviour by weight status in schoolchildren.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationships between weight reduction behaviour among non-overweight schoolchildren and dietary habits, perception of health, well-being and health complaints.


METHODS
Analysis of the 2006 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children survey, a cross-sectional study involving schoolchildren aged 10-17 years.


METHODS
Schools in the Republic of Ireland.


RESULTS
The proportion of children (n 3599) engaged in weight reduction behaviour ('dieting' among non-overweight students) was 10.3 %. Older children, females and those from higher social classes (SC) were more likely to report such behaviour. Non-overweight schoolchildren who reported weight reduction behaviour were less likely than those not engaged in such behaviour to frequently consume sweets, soft drinks, crisps and chips/fried potatoes (OR from 0.39 (95 % CI 0.17, 0.89) to 0.72 (95 % CI 0.53, 0.99)); were more likely to consume diet soft drinks (OR 1.50 (95 % CI 1.03, 2.18); and were more likely to miss breakfast during the week (OR 0.62 (95 % CI 0.48, 0.80). The risk of subjective health complaints increased (OR from 1.47 (95 % CI 1.13, 1.91) to 1.92 (95 % CI 1.48, 2.49)); as did body dissatisfaction (OR 9.17 (95 % CI 6.99, 12.02)), while perception of health and well-being decreased (OR 0.47 (95 % CI 0.36, 0.61)) to 0.54 (95 % CI 0.41, 0.70)). All analyses were controlled for age, gender and SC.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight reduction behaviour among non-overweight schoolchildren is associated with considerable risk to physical health and emotional well-being. Since the risks associated with such behaviour varies by weight status, health professionals and researchers need to consider these issues in parallel.
Kelly
Colette
C
Health Promotion Research Centre, 12 Distillery Road, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Galway, Galway, Republic of Ireland. Colette.kelly@nuigalway.ie
Molcho
Michal
M
Nic Gabhainn
Saoirse
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012306:Risk; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D012923:Social Class