Correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors among adolescents: Implications for prevention programs.
- 1 January 2003
- journal article
- Published by American Psychological Association (APA) in Health Psychology
- Vol. 22 (1) , 88-98
- https://doi.org/10.1037//0278-6133.22.1.88
Abstract
This study aimed to identify correlates of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in adolescents to guide the development of programs aimed at the primary prevention of disordered eating. A model explaining unhealthy weight-control behaviors was tested among 4,746 adolescents using structural equation modeling. Models fit the data well and explained 76% of the variance in unhealthy weight-control behaviors among girls and 63% among boys. Weight-body concerns were a strong correlate of unhealthy weight-control behaviors in both girls and boys. Models also emphasized the importance of weight-specific social norms within the adolescent's proximal environment. Findings suggest the importance of addressing weight-body concerns within prevention programs and extending interventions beyond classroom settings to ensure changes in weight-related norms among peer groups and family members.Keywords
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