Carolyn A. Corder, MS, RD, DJC, P. O. Box 178, Bryn Mawr, CA 92318, 909-793-4010, DJC7@msn.com

Objectives: This study examined in the middle and high school context students’ attitudes toward body weight, dieting behaviors, and frequency of protective food intake and exercise as related to satisfaction with school programs, absenteeism, delinquency, violence, and illegal substance use on campus. Methods: Data from the 1999 and 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys and 2000 local survey were analyzed for 3852 middle and 4541 high school students in the City of San Bernardino, California. Results: ANOVA and Univariate analyses suggest that students’ satisfaction with school programs and motivation to obtain an education is consistent with exercising and cutting back on calories and fat to manage body weight. Whereas, school delinquency, absenteeism, carrying a weapon or being in a fight at school, and using illegal substances on campus were more likely to be associated with resorting to fasting and purging to lose weight. Self-reported frequency of exercise is negatively correlated with grade level. Fear for personal safety, involvement in violence, and using illegal substances on campus appear to moderate the pattern of consuming protective foods. Conclusions: Personality characteristics that are expressed in risky versus conventional behaviors at school can be linked to eating and exercise patterns. Educational interventions for lowering the risk of adolescent obesity need to be part of a holistic lifestyle approach to lower risky behaviors.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Profile the school experience of students who are at risk for obesity.
• 2. Explain how age or grade level influences risk for obesity.
• 3. Identify strengths in the school system that promote healthy weight management.
• 4. List school factors that interact with obesity risk, dieting, exercise, and protective food intake among adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents, School Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.