Weight Control Practices in Turkish Adolescents and Factors Related with Over- Weight and Obesity

Abstract

Abstract Backgrounds Over-weight and negative body perception that may develop during adolescence period cause many slimming experiences, especially the diet and as the state of discontent increases, the methods used are more unhealthy and dangerous. This study was conducted to determine the weight control practices and the factors related to over-weight-obesity in Turkish adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 900 high school students aged between 14-18. The data were collected by using an introductory form including questions about socio-demographic characteristics and weight control, eating attitude test (EAT-26), Bergen Insomnia Scale and height-weight. Results In this study, it was found that 9.1% of the adolescents were overweight, 8.2% of them were obese, and 32.9% of them had a risky eating behavior (EAT-26 score > 20). It was found that 87.7% of adolescents who are overweight-obese and 40% of those with normal weight were wanted to lose weight. It was determined that 70.4% of adolescents exercise for weight control, 63.6% of them increased fluid consumption and 16.6% of them used weight loss dietary supplement. Adolescents who were overweight-obese had a higher proportion of those with a risk of eating behavior (EAT> 20) and those with insomnia problems than those with normal weight (p < 0.05). The factors related to overweight and obesity were found in female adolescents; standing snacking, angry negative moods and sometimes consuming irregular meals between meals, whereas in male students; watching TV, working while eating, standing snacking, late-night eating and insomnia (p < 0.05). Conclusions It was determined that the majority of overweight-obese students wanted to lose weight and some of those had a risky eating habits and preferred unhealthy methods for weight control. These results indicate that was need programs of healthy weight control and prevention of obesity in the schools. Key messages Adolescents who were overweight-obese had a higher proportion of those with a risk of eating behavior (EAT> 20). There is a need for public health programs on healthy weight control and weight regulation practices for adolescents.