Body Mass Index z-Scores and Weight Status Predict Conduct Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

Abstract

PurposeThe goal of the study was to examine whether baseline body mass index (BMI) z-scores and weight status predicted conduct disorder (CD) symptoms in 368 adolescents (15–17 years). MethodsParticipants in the 10th and 11th grades completed self-report questionnaires at baseline and at a 2-year follow-up. Baseline BMI z-scores and weight status were derived from self-reports of height and weight. CD symptoms were assessed using a symptom checklist. Covariates included baseline demographics, depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, drug use, and a retrospective report of CD symptoms before age 15 years. ResultsA cubic association was observed between baseline BMI z-scores and follow-up CD symptoms (p = .047), such that a positive association emerged only among adolescents with BMI z-scores of greater than ∼1.5. Adolescents who were obese at baseline reported more follow-up CD symptoms than nonoverweight adolescents (p = .008). Higher baseline BMI z-scores were associated with increased odds of endorsing probable CD at follow-up (p's < .03). Obese adolescents were more likely to report the presence of probable CD at follow-up than overweight and nonoverweight adolescents (p's ≤ .01). ConclusionsFindings suggest that nutritional status, particularly high BMI z-scores and obese weight status, may contribute to elevated CD symptoms during adolescence, which should be dually addressed in screening and intervention efforts.