Physical activity and disordered eating behaviours: Are Caribbean adolescents at risk?

Excessive physical activity (PA) has been linked to increased risk for disordered eating behaviours and eating disorders. This study investigates the relationship between PA and disordered eating behaviours and attitudes (DEBAs) among Jamaican adolescents. This cross-sectional study included 521 adolescents, 12-19 years. Anthropometric measurements were collected, and adolescents completed questionnaires on disordered eating behaviours (EAT-26), physical activity, self-esteem and affect. Associations were assessed using sex-specific mixed-effect linear and logistic regression models. Participants reported exercising an average of 3 days per week. Adolescents who exercised for a longer duration had greater odds of having elevated EAT-26 scores (at least 1 hour-OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.03, 4.06; p = .042), while a higher exercise frequency among males (3-5 days per week) was protective against DEBAs (OR 0.38; 95% CI = 0.16, 0.88; p = .025). Female adolescents reported higher prevalence of elevated EAT-26 scores than males (p < .01). Increased negative affect increased odds of an elevated EAT-26 score. Exercise duration and frequency play a role in disordered eating behaviours in Jamaican adolescents and vary by gender. Our findings have implications for weight management interventions and policies, encouraging healthcare providers to monitor PA levels as well as negative affect in adolescents who display disordered eating behaviours.

Disordered eating behaviours and attitudes among adolescents in a middle-income country.

PURPOSE: Adolescent-disordered eating behaviours and attitudes (DEBA) are noted to be increasing in prevalence internationally. The aim of this study was to explore the DEBAs among Jamaican adolescents and identify those adolescents most at risk. METHODS: 521 high school participants (females, n = 292), ages 11-19 years, completed measures assessing socio-demographic factors, self-esteem, symptoms of anxiety and depression, behavioural factors, and anthropometry. Weight-related behaviours and attitudes were explored using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of participants reported engaging in at least one disordered eating behaviour, with bingeing as the most common. Female participants had significantly higher mean body mass index (p < 0.01) and mean EAT-26 score (p < 0.05) compared to males. Adolescents with EAT-26 score ≥ 20 were more desirous of being thinner (p < 0.01) and having a lighter skin complexion (p < 0.05). A greater proportion of adolescents with an EAT-26 score ≥ 20 had engaged in self-harm (p < 0.05), had smoked cigarettes (p < 0.05), had been sexually active (p < 0.01), and gave a history of sexual abuse (p < 0.01). Adolescents with overweight/obesity reported higher use of chemical weight manipulation (laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills) (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data are consistent with the global figures showing both male and female adolescents endorsing disordered eating behaviours and attitudes (DEBAs). While this study highlights weight and shape dissatisfaction and associated DEBAs, it also raises the concern of an association with skin bleaching and elevated EAT-26 scores among Jamaican adolescents. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: cross-sectional descriptive study.