Prevalence and Correlates of Weight Goal Adoption that Matches Weight Status among a Representative Population-Based Sample of Quebec Teenagers

Background

Given the centrality of weight management strategies in the prevention of eating and weight-related disorders, this study pursues 2 objectives: 1) to estimate proportions of teens adopting salutogenic (goal that matched weight status) versus pathogenic (goal that did not match weight status) weight goals in a representative population-based sample, and 2) to identify correlates of adopting a pathogenic weight goal.

Methodology

Self-report data from a representative population-based sample of Quebec teenagers recruited through schools were used to estimate proportions of teens with either a salutogenic or pathogenic weight goal. Correlates of adopting a pathogenic weight goal were identified with multilevel logistic models.

Results

Analyses showed that 21.6%, 11.2%, 31.3%, and 34.8% of teenagers want to lose, gain, maintain, or do nothing concerning weight. Girls were more likely to want to lose (OR=3.66, 95% CI=2.93, 4.56) or maintain weight (OR=1.46, 95% CI=1.23, 1.74) whereas boys were more likely to want to gain (OR=4.37, 95% CI=3.21, 5.95) or do nothing (OR=1.98, 95% CI=1.66, 2.35). Weight gain was more likely among older teens (OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.09, 1.83). Furthermore, 69.0% of teens had a salutogenic weight goal and older teens were more likely to adopt a pathogenic weight goal (OR=1.20, 95% CI=1.00, 1.44). The final model indicated that body dissatisfaction predicts adoption of a pathogenic weight goal (OR=2.83, 95% CI=0.18, 0.30).

Conclusion

Casting weight goals as a function of matching weight status allows for a more parsimonious conceptualization of weight goals. Research is needed concerning behaviors used to reach weight goals.

ESSEA, © Gouvernement du Québec, ISQ, 1999.