Adolescents engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors: are they at risk for other health-compromising behaviors?

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine whether adolescents engaging in weight control behaviors are at increased risk for tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; suicide ideation and attempts; and unprotected sexual activity. METHODS: Data were collected on a nationally representative sample of 16,296 adolescents taking part in the 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. RESULTS: Adolescents using extreme weight control behaviors were at increased risk for health-compromising behaviors, while associations with other weight control behaviors were weak and inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have relevance to clinical work with youth, provide a better understanding of disordered eating, and open up a number of opportunities for future research.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Neumark-Sztainer, D; Story, M; Dixon, LB; Murray, DM

Published Date

  • June 1998

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 88 / 6

Start / End Page

  • 952 - 955

PubMed ID

  • 9618628

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC1508211

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0090-0036

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.2105/ajph.88.6.952

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States