Latent Class Analysis of Obesogenic Behaviors among Korean Adolescents: Associations with Weight-Related Outcomes.

Haein Lee,In-Seo La

doi:10.3390/ijerph182111059

Abstract

This study aimed to explore sex-specific latent class models of adolescent obesogenic behaviors (OBs), predictors of latent class membership (LCM), and associations between LCM and weight-related outcomes (i.e., weight status and unhealthy weight control behaviors). We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2019 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. To identify latent classes for boys (n = 29,841) and girls (n = 27,462), we conducted a multiple-group latent class analysis using eight OBs (e.g., breakfast skipping, physical activity, and tobacco product use). Moreover, we performed a multinomial logistic regression analysis and a three-step method to examine associations of LCM with predictors and weight-related outcomes. Among both sexes, the 3-class models best fit the data: (a) mostly healthy behavior class, (b) poor dietary habits and high Internet use class, and (c) poor dietary habits and substance use class. School year, residential area, academic performance, and psychological status predicted the LCM for both sexes. In addition, perceived economic status predicted the LCM for girls. The distribution of weight-related outcomes differed across sex-specific classes. Our findings highlight the importance of developing obesity prevention and treatment interventions tailored to each homogeneous pattern of adolescent OBs, considering differences in their associations with predictors and weight-related outcomes.

Highlights

Adolescence is one of the critical development periods, with an increasing risk of obesity [? ]
Obesity prevalence in U.S adolescents increased from 18.1% in 2007–2008 to
Boys and girls engaged in Unhealthy weight-control behavior (UWCB), respectively

Summary

Introduction

Adolescence is one of the critical development periods, with an increasing risk of obesity [? ]. ]. The increase in adolescent obesity has become a global public health concern [?. ]. For example, obesity prevalence in U.S adolescents increased from 18.1% in 2007–2008 to. ]. Researchers have reported on a marked increase in the prevalence of adolescents with obesity in East Asia [? ]. the prevalence of obesity in Korean adolescents has doubled from 5.3% in 2007 to 10.8% in 2018 [? ]. Adolescent obesity causes physical (e.g., hypertension, insulin resistance, and gastrointestinal disease) and mental (e.g., depression, anxiety, and eating disorder) problems, besides increasing healthcare costs [? Adolescents with obesity are more likely to be obese in adulthood, with greater risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer [?

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Conclusion