Associations between socioeconomic and family determinants and weight-control behaviours among adolescents.

Abstract

Family factors may play a role in adolescents' weight-control behaviours (WCB), and economic determinants strongly affect adolescents' health in terms of unhealthy weight-control behaviours (UWCB). This study examines the nexus of socioeconomic status, perceived family wealth, and number of employed parents and Israeli adolescents' WCB and asks whether family-related variables mediate WCB. Data from the 2014 Israeli Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children study are analysed using structural equation modelling. High family affluence and high perceived family wealth are negatively associated with UWCB. Having two employed parents related to lower levels of UWCB. Family-related variables such as family communication and support and parental monitoring mitigate UWCB. Family meals have a significantly positive effect on healthy weight-control behaviour (HWCB) and a significantly negative impact on unhealthy weight-control activities. The findings suggest that economic factors such as socioeconomic status and number of employed parents should be taken into account in long-term weight-control practice. The combination of WCB and family meals is the most effective method for adolescents' healthy weight-control behaviour.