CORRELATES OF RISKY WEIGHT-CONTROL BEHAVIORS IN ADOLESCENTS.

WEIGHT loss; DIET; APPETITE depressants; TEENAGERS; ALCOHOL drinking; MENTAL health; LAXATIVES; HEALTH risk assessment

Risky weight-control behaviors, such as taking diet pills, fasting, vomiting or using laxatives, is becoming common in adolescents, which poses significant physical and mental health problems. This study analyzed the data from the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) to identify the correlates of such behaviors (n=13,857). About 17% of adolescents reported practicing at least one risky weight-control behavior. Correlates of such behaviors included being female, perception of being overweight, playing more video games, and use of tobacco and alcohol (all p-values < .01). The need for education on healthful weight management in adolescents that underscores healthy lifestyle choices is urgent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]