Weight-related behaviors among adolescent girls and boys - Results from a national survey

Objective: The study objectives were to assess (1) the prevalence of dietin g and disordered eating among adolescents; (2) the sociodemographic, anthro pometric, psychosocial, and behavioral correlates of dieting and disordered eating; and (3) whether adolescents report having discussed weight-related issues with their health care providers. Design: Cross-sectional school-based survey. Study Populotion: A nationally representative sample of 6728 adolescents in grades 5 to 12 who completed the Common wealth 1 Fund surveys of the healt h of adolescent girls and boys. Main Outcome Measures: Dieting and disordered eating (binge-purge cycling). Results: Approximately 24% of the population was overweight. Almost half of the girls (45%) reported that they had at some point been on a diet, compa red with 20% of the boys. Disordered eating was reported by 13% of the girl s and 7% of the boys. Strong correlates of these behaviors included overwei ght status, low self-esteem, depression, suicidal ideation, and substance u se. Almost half of the adolescents (38%-53%) reported that a health care pr ovider had at some point discussed nutrition or weight with them. Discussio ns on eating disorders were reported by lower percentages of girls (24%) an d boys (15%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of weight-related concerns suggests that a ll youth should be reached with appropriate interventions. Special attentio n needs to be directed toward youth at greatest risk for disordered eating behaviors, such as overweight youth, youth engaging in substance use behavi ors, and youth with psychological concerns such as low self-esteem and depr essive symptoms.