Relationships between maternal and adolescent weight-related behaviors and concerns: the role of perception

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal and adolescent weight-related behaviors and concerns in a population-based sample. METHODS: Participants were 810 adolescents (n=429 girls and n=381 boys) and their mothers/guardians. Adolescents were part of the Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) study, which was a comprehensive study of eating patterns and weight concerns among adolescents in Minnesota. Outcome variables included child's body dissatisfaction, weight concerns, dieting, and use of healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors. RESULTS: Adolescents reported lower rates of maternal dieting than mothers. Maternal self-report of dieting was not significantly associated with children's weight-related concerns. Children's perceptions of their mothers' behaviors were significantly related to their level of weight concerns and use of weight control behaviors. CONCLUSION: Adolescents' perceptions of maternal behavior affect their weight-related concerns and behaviors. This suggests that mothers who choose to diet should model healthy choices in the areas of nutrition and physical activity.     

The relationship of diet and exercise for weight control and the quality of life gap associated with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: The demanding behavioral changes for weight control to manage diabetes might contribute to lower quality of life (QOL). This research examines whether the demands of diet and exercise contribute to lower QOL among persons with diabetes. METHODS: Data were from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), which measures days in the last month for poor physical health, poor mental health, limited activity, pain, depression, stress, poor sleep, and high energy, as well as weight control efforts. RESULTS: Respondents with diabetes averaged more impaired days on every measure of QOL. Neither efforts to control weight nor dieting were related to any measure. Exercise was associated with reductions in impaired days on all measures. CONCLUSIONS: Exercising to control weight had a powerful effect on reducing QOL differences while attempting to maintain or reduce weight, and dieting to do so had no effect.     

Eating attitudes and behaviors in pregnancy and postpartum: Global stability versus specific transitions

Global changes in eating attitudes were examined prospectively across pregnancy and 4 months postpartum in a sample of 90 women. In addition, specific changes in dieting behavior and weight/shape satisfaction were assessed at 4 months postpartum for concurrent and retrospective time points. Measures included the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) and weight/shape satisfaction in pregnancy and at 4 months postpartum, as well as prepregnancy, pregnancy, and postpartum weight loss efforts. While global EAT scores were stable across time, dieting scores (Factor I) increased between pregnancy and postpartum. Weight/shape satisfaction was higher in pregnancy, and satisfaction was related to EAT scores at 4 months postpartum but not during pregnancy. Prepregnancy dieters and nondieters were best discriminated by higher weights, elevated pregnancy dieting scores, and lower postpartum weight/shape satisfaction. Results emphasize the importance of looking beyond changes in global eating attitudes and behaviors to more specific eating concerns or behaviors. Lastly, the results have implications for identifying women at risk for eating- and weight-related concerns during this period of rapid physical change.     

Adolescent depressive symptoms and smoking behavior: The gender-specific role of weight concern and dieting

Objective

Increased weight concern and dieting are associated with both depression and smoking among adolescents, particularly girls. This cross-sectional study examined the gender-specific role of weight concerns and dieting on the adolescent depression-smoking association.

Methods

Participants were 2051 adolescents (1056 boys and 995 girls) from seven high schools in the Netherlands who filled out questionnaires on smoking, depression, and weight constructs and of whom weight and height were measured.

Results

Logistic regression analyses showed that for girls, but not for boys, the depression-smoking association disappeared after controlling for weight concerns and dieting.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that weight concerns and dieting are important factors to consider in the depression-smoking initiation relation for girls, but not for boys. This suggests that smoking prevention programs for depressed girls might be enhanced by challenging the idea of smoking as a diet strategy and incorporating a focus on healthy weight regulation. However, before setting up a prevention trial, future prospective studies should first examine why and how weight concerns and dieting are important factors in the depression-smoking initiation relation among girls, also in conjunction with other established risk factors such as parental and peer smoking.     

Physical Activity and Fitness Outcomes of a Lifestyle Intervention for Primary Care Patients with Depression and Anxiety: a Randomised Controlled Trial

Patients currently being treated for depression and/or anxiety were referred by their GP and randomised to a 12-week individually tailored diet and exercise lifestyle intervention or an attention control group. Assessments at baseline and 12 weeks included the Active Australia Survey for self-reported physical activity, chair stands, arm curls and a 3-min step test to measure physical fitness. Intent-to-treat analyses using linear mixed modelling showed both groups significantly improved participation in physical activity and muscular endurance. There were no significant differences in improvement between groups. The only group by time interaction was found for body mass index and indicated greater improvement in the intervention group compared to the attention control group. Motivated patients with depression and/or anxiety may be able to increase their participation in physical activity without regular individual support from an exercise physiologist. Alternate modes of support should be considered.     

Happiness and health behaviour in Iranian adolescent girls

This study was conducted to examine the association of happiness in adolescent females with leisure time and health related behaviours namely diet, physical activity and first or second hand smoking. Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 8159 female high school students ages 11–19 years. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed statistically significant associations between happiness and weight, regular exercise, exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, daily fruit or vegetable consumption and the way participants spent their leisure time. Happiness was associated with lower BMI, regular physical activity, absence of exposure to second-hand smoke, higher consumption of fruits and vegetables, and spending leisure time with family (all P < 0.005). These exploratory findings suggest that encouraging children and adolescents to adopt healthy behaviours, providing family time and a smoke-free environment may make them not only healthier but also happier.     

The relationship between physical activity and self-image and problem behaviour among adolescents

Background: Although there are a vast array of studies which have demonstrated the psychological and physical health benefits of regular aerobic exercise for adults, few studies have focussed on children and adolescents. The current study examined associations between the extent of participation in endurance sport, and self-report data on self-image, physical and psychological health and overall lifestyle in a large representative sample of German high-school students. Method: Almost 1000 German adolescents (aged 14–18 years) were administered a comprehensive series of questionnaires aimed at assessing anxiety-depression, trait addiction, smoking and drinking behaviour, physical ill-health reports, and self-perception of self-image, parental acceptance and educational attainment. Results: Regular practice of endurance exercise was related to a more favourable self-image. There was a strong association between participation in sports and the type of personality that tends to be resistant to drug and alcohol addiction. Physical exercise was further significantly related to scores for physical and psychological well-being. Adolescents who engaged regularly in physical activity were characterised by lower anxiety-depression scores, and displayed much less social behavioural inhibition than their less active counterparts. Conclusion: It is likely that discussion of recreational or exercise involvement may provide a useful point of entry for facilitating dialogue among adolescents about concerns relating to body image and self-esteem. In terms of psychotherapeutic applications, physical activity has many additional rewards for adolescents. It is probable that by promoting physical fitness, increased physical performance, lessening body mass and promoting a more favourable body shape and structure, exercise will provide more positive social feedback and recognition from peer groups, and this will subsequently lead to improvement in an individual's self-image. Accepted: 28 February 2002 Correspondence to Bruce Kirkcaldy, PhD     

Are you currently on a diet? What respondents mean when they say "yes"

Male and female university students were asked the questions "Are you currently on a diet to lose weight?" and "Are you currently on a diet to maintain your weight?" Respondents were asked to clarify positive responses by listing weight-control behaviors in which they were engaged. Responses were coded into 12 categories of dieting methods. Results indicated women and men who diet to lose weight engage in a wider variety of weight-loss behaviors than those engaged in dieting to maintain weight. Findings further indicated differences in dieting methods between individuals dieting to lose weight as opposed to dieting to maintain weight.     

Weight concerns and smoking: A literature review

Cigarette smoking has established effects on body weight. The effects of weight concerns on smoking initiation, maintenance, cessation, and relapse, however, are less clear. This review shows that weight concerns are related to smoking behavior in complex ways that differ depending on the smoking outcome (initiation, cessation, relapse), gender, and age. Dieting behaviors and general weight concerns appear to be positively related both cross-sectionally and prospectively to smoking in White adolescent females. In adults, weight concerns specific to smoking cessation appear to be higher in current smokers and may have a negative influence on cessation and relapse. General weight concerns, however, do not differ by smoking status, nor do they appear to hinder cessation or promote relapse. Dieting behavior is most prevalent in former smokers, least prevalent in current smokers, and intermediate in never smokers, suggesting that ex-smokers may be dieting to control cessation-related weight gain. Smoking cessation interventions that promote dieting to control weight have not been successful in preventing cessation-related weight gain, nor have they increased smoking cessation rates. Population-based prospective studies are needed to determine the broader significance of weight concerns in relationship to smoking cessation in adults. Efforts to address weight concerns in smoking intervention programs may need to target a small subset of individuals for whom weight control smoking is a significant barrier to cessation.     

The prevalence of high-level exercise in the eating disorders: Etiological implications

There is increasing evidence both from animal experimentation and from clinical field studies that physical activity can play a central role in the pathogenesis of some eating disorders. However, few studies have addressed the issue of prevalence or whether there are different rates of occurrence across diagnostic categories, and the estimates that do exist are not entirely satisfactory. The present study was designed to conduct a detailed examination of the physical activity history in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) both during and prior to the onset of their disorder. A sample of adult patients and a second sample of adolescent AN patients took part in the study. A series of chi-square analyses compared diagnostic groups on a number of variables related to sport/exercise behaviors both premorbidly and comorbidly. Data were obtained by means of a detailed structured interview with each patient. We found that a large proportion of eating disorder patients were exercising excessively during an acute phase of the disorder, overexercising is significantly more frequent among those with AN versus BN, and premorbid activity levels significantly predict excessive comorbidity comorbidity. These findings underscore the centrality of physical activity in the development and maintenance of some eating disorders. They also have important clinical implications in light of the large proportion of individuals who combine dieting and exercise in an attempt to lose weight, and the increasing recognition of the adverse effects of strenuous physical activity in malnourished individuals.     

Gender differences in adolescent sport participation, teasing, self-objectification and body image concerns

This study examined gender differences in adolescent participation in sport and physical activity, in teasing experiences specific to the physical activity domain, and the relationship between adolescent physical activity and body image. A sample of 714 adolescents (332 girls, 382 boys) aged between 12 and 16 years completed measures of participation in organised sport and other physical activities, experiences of teasing specific to sport, self-objectification and body image. Adolescent girls participated in organised sport at a lower rate than boys, but experienced higher levels of teasing. Both girls and boys reported being teased by same-sex peers, but in addition, girls also reported being teased by opposite-sex peers (i.e. boys). Time spent on aesthetic physical activities was related to disordered eating symptomatology for both girls and boys. It was concluded that teasing and body image concerns may contribute to adolescent girls’ reduced rates of participation in sports and other physical activities.     

Dieting and weight concerns among Finnish adolescents

The aim of the study was to examine factors associated with dieting and weight concerns among Finnish adolescents. A school-survey included a 9-item screening scale for assessing attitudes and behaviors involving dieting and body image and a self-report measure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire assessing emotional and behavioral problems. Altogether 1458 questionnaires were analyzed, which accounted for about 89% of the target population including all the 7th and the 9th graders in two cities in Finland. According to the results, dieting and weight concerns were extremely common among Finnish adolescents. For all aspects of weight control and dieting concerns, the rates of occurrence were greater among girls. A high level of dieting concerns was associated with female sex, body mass, emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity symptoms, and alcohol use.     

Participation in Athletic Activitiesand Eating Disordered Behavior

The purpose of the following study was to examine the relationship between participation in athletic and exercise activities and eating disordered behavior among a college student population. A sample of 853 undergraduate students completed the EAT-26 and indicated participation in athletic activities to determine eating disorder-related dieting and exercise attitudes and behaviors. Results demonstrate that participation in recreational activities correlates with more deleterious attitudes than involvement in organized sports. Implications for counseling and prevention are discussed.     

Participation in athletic activities and eating disordered behavior

The purpose of the following study was to examine the relationship between participation in athletic and exercise activities and eating disordered behavior among a college student population. A sample of 853 undergraduate students completed the EAT-26 and indicated participation in athletic activities to determine eating disorder-related dieting and exercise attitudes and behaviors. Results demonstrate that participation in recreational activities correlates with more deleterious attitudes than involvement in organized sports. Implications for counseling and prevention are discussed.     

Dieting and weight concerns among Finnish adolescents

The aim of the study was to examine factors associated with dieting and weight concerns among Finnish adolescents. A school-survey included a 9-item screening scale for assessing attitudes and behaviors involving dieting and body image and a self-report measure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire assessing emotional and behavioral problems. Altogether 1458 questionnaires were analyzed, which accounted for about 89% of the target population including all the 7th and the 9th graders in two cities in Finland. According to the results, dieting and weight concerns were extremely common among Finnish adolescents. For all aspects of weight control and dieting concerns, the rates of occurrence were greater among girls. A high level of dieting concerns was associated with female sex, body mass, emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity symptoms, and alcohol use.     

Weight gain and glucose and lipid metabolism disturbances during antipsychotic medication: a review

Antipsychotic medication is the mainstay of treatment for functional psychotic illnesses. However, for some patients weight gain and the disturbances in blood-lipid levels and glucose balance associated with their use are significant disadvantages, and pose health risks that may affect prognosis. A substantial body of evidence suggests that weight gain is at least partly related to the blocking effects of antipsychotic medication on serotonin- and histamine-mediated neurotransmission. The disadvantages associated with weight gain can be reduced by an appropriate choice of antipsychotic and avoidance of polypharmacy, by regular monitoring of the patient's weight, and, if necessary, by the patient's participation in a dieting programme. Received: 28 June 2002 / Accepted: 18 November 2002 Correspondence to Prof. Hannu Koponen     

Changes over time in weight concerns among women smokers engaged in the cessation process

Weight concerns have been reported by women smokers to be barriers to initial cessation and to sustained abstinence. This article examines the temporal patterns of weight concerns and self-efficacy for cessation among three groups of women smokers: non-quitters, short-term quitters, and long-term quitters. Subjects were 417 women aged 20–64 who had participated in a randomized smoking cessation intervention trial. Over the twelve-month follow-up, long-term quitters reported greater increases in weight gain, pain and worry related to weight, dieting behaviors, and self-efficacy for maintaining cessation in eating-related situations compared to non-quitters and short-term quitters. In multivariate analyses, increases in pain and worry about weight and in self-efficacy in eating-related situations were significantly associated with sustained abstinence. Cessation-specific weight concerns and dieting were not associated with sustained abstinence. Implications of these results for intervention design are discussed.     

The role of physical exercise in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease.

A case-control study of Parkinson's disease and physical exercise was conducted in a cohort of 50,002 men who attended Harvard College (Cambridge, Mass) or the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) between 1916 and 1950 and were followed up in adulthood for morbidity and mortality data. Cases of Parkinson's disease were identified from responses to mailed questionnaires and death certificates through 1978. Four controls from the same population were selected for each case. The association between physical activity at the time of college and subsequent risk of Parkinson's disease was evaluated for 137 cases and 548 controls, whereas the data on physical activity in adulthood before the disease occurrence was available only for 94 of these cases. Having belonged to a varsity team or having done regular physical exercise in college was associated with a lower nonsignificant risk of Parkinson's disease. In adulthood, practice of moderate or heavy sports was linked to a reduced risk, although more precise analysis revealed that there was only a modest nonsignificant reduction in risk for subjects who do a moderate amount of physical exercise, but this negative association disappears at higher levels of physical expenditure. These results, which require further confirmation, are compatible with a slight protective effect of physical exercise on the risk of Parkinson's disease, although the lack of association cannot be refuted.     

Mothers, Fathers, and Daughters: Dieting and disordered eating

Objective: The authors explored dieting and disordered eating in adolescent women and determined the associations among mothers', fathers' and daughters' eating attitudes and behaviors. Method: The authors surveyed 51 mother-father-daughter triads (N=153) concerning eating attitudes and behaviors. Results: Dieting was associated with disordered eating symptoms in adolescent females. Daughters were most likely to diet in families where mothers described them as overweight and commented on their weight. Daughters' weight dissatisfaction was associated with fathers' weight dissatisfaction and comments on daughters' weights. Conclusions: Eating attitudes and behaviors in daughters are associated with weight concerns expressed by parents.     

Influence of moderate and strenuous daily physical activity on fibrinolytic activity of blood: possibility of plasminogen activator stores depletion.

Fibrinolysis was studied in 10 alpinists during regular physical activity of different intensity. Blood was sampled at rest and after exposure to submaximal workload on the treadmill on three occasions: before and after 6 months physical conditioning (moderate physical activity), and after 6 weeks of an alpinistic expedition (strenuous physical activity). Measurements included submaximal working capacity, fibrinogen, euglobulin clot lysis time (ELT), whole plasma clot lysis time, and estimations derived from ELT--percent increase in fibrinolytic activity after exercise (RFS), and absolute increase in fibrinolytic activity after exercise (PAR). Regular moderate activity increased the resting level of ELT, but strenuous activity decreased is. After each treadmill testing, a marked increase in fibrinolytic activity was observed. RFS was unaltered at all three testings. PAR increased after moderate activity, but decreased after strenuous activity. The results indicate that regular physical activity can lead from enhanced to decreased resting activity of plasminogen activator in blood. It is presumed that increased release of activator during prolonged stress causes partial depletion of endothelial stores with the consequence of decreased activator activity in the blood.