Moderators of quality of life among overweight adolescents. Influence of body mass index, sociodemographics, behavioral, motivational and clinical variables.

Abstract

Overweight is an extra burden for adolescent development and triggers serious physical and psychosocial problems. Overweight in adolescence has been consistently associated with poorer psychosocial and emotional wellbeing. This study aims to evaluate moderators of quality of life in adolescents with excess weight. The sample consists of 94 adolescents who are attending a specialized Pediatric Obesity Clinic, 46 boys (48.94%), median age of 14.17 years (SD = 1.51). Weight-related quality of life was assessed with the 27-item measure, developed by Kolotkin et al. (IWQOL-K: Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Kids). Statistical analysis was performed using nonparametric tests (Spearman correlation, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test). Body Mass Index (BMI) z -score correlated negatively with quality of life in terms of physical comfort, social life and overall quality of life index. Gender, weight loss motivation, perception of body image, presence of binge eating episodes and mother’s education level were found to work as quality of life moderators. These results underscore the importance of routinely assessing quality of life when treating overweight adolescents. Intervention programs should be designed not only to tailor the individual adolescent health needs but also take into account those moderators that have been identified.