Abstract
BackgroundThe proportion of overweight and obese youths is high. The present study aimed to investigate the development of self-image and its components during a one-year follow-up among non-referred adolescents with excess and normal weight. Furthermore, we separately analyzed the data for girls and boys.MethodsAltogether 86 8th grades (41 girls and 45 boys) with a relative weight of 26% or more above the median and 91 controls (43 girls and 48 boys) with normal weight participated the follow-up. The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire, Revised (OSIQ-R) was used to assess self-image at baseline and on follow-up. In the OSIQ-R, a low total raw score implies positive adjustment, while a high raw score implies poor adjustment and a negative self-image. The study design was doubly correlated (pairs and time), and a linear mixed model was used in the statistical analysis.ResultsIn OSIQ-R total scores, a comparative improvement was observed in girls with normal weight. Among these girls, significant change scores compared to zero were seen in impulse control, social functioning, vocational attitudes, self-confidence, self-reliance, body image, sexuality, and ethical values. In girls with excess weight, none of the change scores compared to zero were statistically significant. When the girls with normal and excess weight were compared, the difference in change scores was largest in sexuality and vocational attitudes. Change scores compared to zero were significant in sexuality and idealism for boys with excess weight, and in impulse control, mental health, self-reliance, and sexuality for normal weight boys. When the boys with excess and normal weight were compared, no statistically significant differences emerged in change scores.ConclusionIn mid-adolescent girls, the influence of overweight and obesity on the development of self-image is substantial. Weight management programs directed at overweight adolescent girls should include psychological interventions aiming to diminish self-image distress, especially that associated with feelings, attitudes, and behavior towards the opposite sex, as well as future career plans.
Highlights
IntroductionThe present study aimed to investigate the development of self-image and its components during a one-year follow-up among non-referred adolescents with excess and normal weight
The proportion of overweight and obese youths is high
As far as we are aware, this is the first study to evaluate the development of self-image and its components in non-referred girls and boys with excess and normal weight in mid-adolescence
Summary
The present study aimed to investigate the development of self-image and its components during a one-year follow-up among non-referred adolescents with excess and normal weight. Excess weight is linked to diminished subjective well-being, including a poor quality of life [4], body dissatisfaction [5], low self-esteem [6], poor academic performance [7], depression [8], high levels of sadness and anxiety. Overweight adolescents are described as socially marginalized; they are at greater risk of mistreatment by peers and have fewer opportunities to develop intimate romantic relationships [11]. Research on adolescent community samples, has suggested that despite moderate levels of body dissatisfaction, relatively few adolescents with excess weight show low self-esteem or psychiatric comorbidity, or report poor emotional or social functioning [12]. The authors, for example, found no evidence that academic performance is negatively impacted by obesity
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