| Summary: | IntroductionLittle is known about gender differences in associations between weight control intentions and mental health in adolescents. Our objective was to examine these associations in a large sample of adolescent girls and boys.
MethodsUsing data from Year 6 (2017–18) of the COMPASS study (n = 57 324), we performed a series of multivariable linear regressions to examine whether weight control intentions (gain, lose, stay the same, no intention) were associated with depression, anxiety and self-concept, while adjusting for relevant covariates including body mass index. Models were stratified by self-reported gender.
ResultsCompared to those with no intentions, girls who intended to lose weight reported higher symptoms of depression (B = 0.52, p $lt; 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.41, p $lt; 0.001) and poorer self-concept (B = 2.06, p $lt; 0.001). Girls who intended to gain weight also reported higher symptoms of depression (B = 0.54, p $lt; 0.001), anxiety (B = 0.50, p $lt; 0.001) and self-concept (B = 1.25, p $lt; 0.001). Boys who intended to lose weight reported greater symptoms of depression (B = 0.26, p $lt; 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.33, p $lt; 0.001) and poor self-concept (B = 1.10, p $lt; 0.001). In boys, weight-gain intentions were associated with greater symptoms of anxiety (B = 0.17, p $lt; 0.05), but not depression or self-concept.
ConclusionIntentions to gain or lose weight were associated with symptoms of mental disorder and poor self-concept in our large sample of adolescents, and these relationships differed in boys and girls. These findings have important implications for school-based programs promoting healthy weight and body image.
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