Correlation between self-esteem and obesity among high secondary schools in Mosul City

Abstract

Obesity and low self-esteem are prevalent disorders among adolescents. Tackling this relationship may introduce effective intervention that promotes healthy adolescence. The Objectives of the study is to measure the prevalence of overweight and obesity and identify its relation with self-esteem among school adolescents. A cross sectional study was carried out on 533 adolescents selected by multistage cluster sample. The students completed a structured questionnaire on dietary habits, physical activity and self-esteem. Self-esteem was assessed using Rosenberg Scale. Their anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were recorded. 21.2% of students are overweight and 15.8% are obese. Lack of physical activity is the only significant life style factor associated with overweight and obesity. There is a negative statistically significant correlation between self-esteem score and BMI among the adolescent students(r= - P=) and significant association between overweight and obesity and low self-esteem (p= ). More than one fourth of adolescents are suffering from overweight and obesity. Obese adolescents tend to have lower self-esteem. Incorporating healthy behaviors and healthy life style in the curricula of adolescents to promote their mental health is mandatory. Further studies to investigate other risk factors of low self-esteem are needed