Weight control behaviors of obese adolescents

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: As childhood-onset obesity has been known to have a poor prognosis, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing, many children and adolescents are becoming concerned about obesity and try various weight control methods. This study assessed the experience and behaviors of weight control in obese adolescents. METHODS: A total of 732 among 840 obese students from 28 schools in Seoul metropolitan area were assessed with a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Middle school students showed the highest trial rate of weight control. Elementary and high school girls showed significantly higher trial rates of weight control than boys(P<0.05). The methods more frequently used were physical exercise, and diet, drugs and other methods, and visits to obesity clinics in that order. Elementary school girls most frequently tried physical exercise while high school girls went on a diet most frequently. All groups of girls were dieting significantly more often than boys(P<0.05). High school girls were the most frequent users of drugs and other methods while elementary school boys and middle schoolgirls visited obesity clinics most frequently. Unhealthy weight control methods observed were monodiet(2.7%), fasting(1.9%), dieting pills(1.4%), and vomiting(0.1%). The mean number of weight control methods was decreased with increasing age. The possibility of overall weight control was significantly higher in girls, having higher weight dissatisfaction levels. The possibility of physical exercise was significantly higher in younger ages, having mother with a career and a family history of obesity. The possibility of dieting was significantly higher in girls, older ages, having higher obesity index. The possibility of using drugs and other methods was significantly higher if they had higher weight dissatisfaction levels and a family history of obesity. The possibility of visiting obesity clinics was significantly higher if they had higher obesity index. CONCLUSION: Although, exercise and diet were frequently chosen by obese adolescents for weight control, the munber unhealthy methods chosen were found to be higher and physical exercise decreased with increasing age. Therefore, an appropriate weight control program that is not detrimental to normal growth and development is called for in early adolescence.