The prevalence of overweight is increasing among adolescents in the United States. We analyzed data from the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a representative sample (N=15,349) of US high school students, to examine associations of physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and cigarette smoking with weight management goals and practices. Logistic regression was used to test associations controlling for demographic characteristics of students. Based on self-reported height and weight, about 10% of students were overweight and 16% of students were at risk for overweight, yet 43% of students reported they were trying to lose weight. Female students were less likely than male students to be overweight (OR=0.6), but more likely to be trying to lose weight (OR=4.1). Among female students, trying to lose weight was associated with vigorous physical activity (OR=1.5), strengthening exercises (OR=2.2), and current smoking (OR=1.4). Among male students, trying to lose weight was associated with vigorous physical activity (OR=1.6), strengthening exercises (OR=1.8), and eating 5 or more servings/day of fruits and vegetables (OR=1.5). Unhealthy weight management methods (fasting, diet pills, vomiting, or laxatives) were used by 26% of female and 10% of male students, and were associated with smoking among female (OR=2.7) and male (OR=1.9) students. Only 73% of female and 57% of male students who were trying to lose weight combined exercise with a reduced calorie diet. Coordinated school health programs should emphasize the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet, and discourage the use of tobacco and unhealthy weight management methods.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the prevalence of overweight and weight management goals and practices of US high school students (by demographic subgroups). 2. Identify significant associations between weight management goals and practices, and physical activity, dietary, and smoking behaviors of high school students. 3. Discuss the implications of these findings for involving coordinated comprehensive school health programs in public health efforts to reduce overweight and promote healthy weight management practices among US adolescents
Keywords: Weight Management, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.