Sociodemographic and psychological correlates of actual and desired weight insufficiency in the general population

A secondary analysis of data from a survey of physical and mental health in the general population was conducted in order to identify sociodemographic and psychological correlates of actual and desired weight insufficiency. In multiple logistic regression analyses, characteristics of respondents whose actual weight, desired weight, or both was insufficient according to Body Mass Index categories were compared to characteristics of respondents whose actual or desired weight was sufficient. Results showed a strong resemblance between weight insufficiency and pre-clinical eating disorders: those of insufficient actual and/or desired weight tended to be younger, female, and to manifest considerable psychological distress, as measured by the Psychiatric Symptom Index and a General Well-Being Schedule. Desired weight insufficiency was more important in this pattern than was actual weight, as those whose current weight was sufficient but who desired an insufficient weight had greater distress and suicidal ideation and attempts. These results, along with the high prevalence of both desired and actual weight insufficiency, underscore the importance of underweight as a public health problem.