Relative Weight Status Research Articles

Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between higher weight and eating disorder risk among collegiate athletes

ObjectivesTo examine whether higher weight status is associated with increased eating disorder risk in athletes. DesignStudy 1 used cross-sectional (N = 942) and longitudinal (N = 483) data collected over a five-year period from Division I athletes at a Midwestern university. Study 2 used cross-sectional data from athletes competing at various levels at universities across the United States (N = 825). MethodsWeight and height were measured in Study 1 and self-reported in Study 2; higher weight was defined as body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. Eating disorder risk was assessed with preliminary (Study 1) and final (Study 2) versions of the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes. Study 1 examined weight status in relation to both concurrent and one-year changes in Eating Disorder Screen for Athletes score. Study 2 examined weight status in relation to both the Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes score and elevated eating disorder risk using the established Eating Disorders Screen for Athletes cut-off. All models adjusted for gender and sport type; Study 2 additionally adjusted for race/ethnicity, age, and competition level. ResultsAcross studies, higher weight status was significantly associated with increased eating disorder risk among athletes. This association was observed both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and the prevelence of elevated eating disorder risk was 43 % greater among athletes with higher weight status than among those without higher weight status. ConclusionsDespite existing stereotypes that eating disorders tend to occur with low weight status, findings highlight the importance of screening all athletes for eating disorders, regardless of their weight status.

The relationships between children's motor competence, physical activity, perceived motor competence, physical fitness and weight status in relation to age.

The goal of this cross-sectional study was to further explore the relationships between motor competence, physical activity, perceived motor competence, physical fitness and weight status in different age categories of Dutch primary school children. Participants were 2068 children aged 4 to 13 years old, divided over 9 age groups. During physical education classes, they completed the 4-Skills Test, a physical activity questionnaire, versions of the Self-Perception Profile for Children, Eurofit test and anthropometry measurements. Results show that all five factors included in the analyses are related to each other and that a tipping point exists at which relations emerge or strengthen. Physical fitness is related to both motor competence and physical activity and these relationships strengthen with age. A relationship between body mass index and the other four factors emerges in middle childhood. Interestingly, at a young age, motor competence and perceived motor competence are weakly related, but neither one of these have a relation with physical activity. In middle childhood, both motor competence and perceived motor competence are related to physical activity. Our findings show that children in late childhood who have higher perceived motor competence are also more physically active, have higher physical fitness, higher motor competence and lower body mass index. Our results indicate that targeting motor competence at a young age might be a feasible way to ensure continued participation in physical activities throughout childhood and adolescence.

The Relationship between Bodyweight Status and Weight Perception Explains Differences in Calories Ordered in a Food Choice Exercise.

Understanding food choice is critical to be able to address the rise in obesity rates around the globe. In this paper, we examine the relationship between measured (BMI, using self-reported height and weight) and perceived weight status with the number of calories ordered in a controlled online food choice exercise. A total of 1044 participants completed an online food choice exercise in which they selected ingredients for a sandwich from five categories: meat/protein, cheese, spread/dressing, bread, and vegetables. We examine the number of calories ordered by participants and use linear regression to study the relationship of BMI category relative to self-reported perceived weight status with calories ordered. As a comparison to previous literature, we also examine the relationship between relative weight status and self-reported dieting behavior using logistic regression. We find that participants perceiving themselves to have a higher BMI than their BMI calculated using height and weight ordered significantly fewer calories and were more likely to report dieting than participants who perceived themselves to have a lower BMI than their calculated BMI. The relationship between perceived weight status and measured weight status explains behavior in a food choice task. Understanding how people perceive their weight may help design effective health messages.

Simply too much: the extent to which weight bias internalization results in a higher risk of eating disorders and psychosocial problems

PurposeWeight bias internalization (WBI) is associated with negative health consequences such as eating disorders and psychosocial problems in children. To date, it is unknown to what extent WBI considerably raises the risk of negative outcomes.MethodsAnalyses are based on cross-sectional data of 1,061 children (9–13 years, M = 11, SD = 0.9; 52.1% female) who filled in the WBI scale (WBIS-C). First, ROC analyses were run to identify critical cut-off values of WBI (WBIS-C score) that identify those who are at higher risk for psychosocial problems or eating disorder symptoms (as reported by parents). Second, it was examined whether WBI is more sensitive than the relative weight status in that respect. Third, to confirm that the cut-off value is also accompanied by higher psychological strain, high- and low-risk groups were compared in terms of their self-reported depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, body dissatisfaction, and self-esteem.ResultsWBIS-C scores ≥ 1.55 were associated with a higher risk of disturbed eating behavior; for psychosocial problems, no cut-off score reached adequate sensitivity and specificity. Compared to relative weight status, WBI was better suited to detect disturbed eating behavior. Children with a WBIS-C score ≥ 1.55 also reported higher scores for both depressive and anxious symptoms, higher body dissatisfaction, and lower self-esteem.ConclusionThe WBIS-C is suitable for identifying risk groups, and even low levels of WBI are accompanied by adverse mental health. Therefore, WBI is, beyond weight status, an important risk factor that should be considered in prevention and intervention.Level of evidenceLevel III, cross-sectional analyses based on data taken from a well-designed, prospective cohort study.

Nutritional and weight status of Indian mother-child dyads experienced by a natural disaster.

Natural disasters have detrimental effects not only on local infrastructure in an affected population but may also have an impact on the human biological condition, particularly during critical periods of life. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and weight status of women and their children who had experienced cyclone Aila prenatally and postnatally in comparison with a non‐affected neighbouring group. The study sample involved N = 597 dyads consisting of mothers and their prepubertal children prenatally or postnatally (during infancy) exposed to a natural disaster and a control group from a neighbouring region (West Bengal, India). The analysed anthropometric indices involved body mass index (BMI) and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC). Moreover, several socioeconomic characteristics were collected (mother's and father's education, family size and family income). Analyses revealed that the group factor (Aila‐exposed or non‐exposed groups) had the highest impact on both children's and their mothers' BMI and MUAC (p < 0.001) in comparison with socioeconomic variables. Surprisingly, both mothers and their children revealed deteriorated nutritional and relative weight status several years after the occurrence of cyclone Aila, which is in opposition to the results obtained in developed countries, where prenatal maternal stress caused by the natural disaster led to the subsequent higher risk of excessive weight in affected children.

Excessive body weight and its relationship to body image in teenagers aged 16–18 years old in South Jakarta

Objective. Overweight is one of the health problems that often occur in children and adolescents throughout the world, both in developed and developing countries. Study results in USA showed yearly increase of overweight prevalence in children aged 2–19 years old. In addition, based on the results by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2010 in United States, the highest percentage of overweight and obesity by age group was found at 12–19 years old (33.6%). Basic Health Research/Riskesdas’s data in 2013 showed the prevalence of overweight in adolescents aged 16–18 years old in Indonesia reached the highest value of 11.5%. Moreover, most teenagers see their body images as a match between self’s and others’ ideal perception. Teenagers with positive body image tend to be more confident and also easier to get along with other people, especially their peers. In this study, researcher aimed to investigate the relationship between teenagers who have excess body weight with body image, whether it had positive or negative impact.Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Data collection was done from December 2017 to January 2018. Data collected were anthropometric measurements (weight and height) and the King College London Body Image Questionnaire's filled by participants. From 400 subjects who filled the questionnaires, a total of 350 participants matched the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Chi square test was done as data analysis.Results: Chi-square analysis for excess body weight status in relation to body image scores showed no relationship (p=1,000).Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between excessive body weight and body image.

Perception of Weight Status in Relationship to Self‐reported BMI

IntroductionCorrect perception of weight status is an important motivational factor for engaging in healthy behaviors, such as physical activity and making acceptable nutrition choices. However, misperception is common in the population.ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to assess perceptions of weight status in relation to self‐reported height and weight (BMI) among individuals aged 16 years and older.MethodsA face‐to‐face, in‐home, validated survey was conducted on participants aged 16 years and older. Trained interviewers conducted the Sample Person Questionnaire using the Computer‐Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) system to gather data on several topics related to body weight, including self‐perception of weight, self‐reported weight over the participant’s lifetime, attempted weight loss during the past 12 months, and methods used to try to lose weight and to keep from gaining weight. Statistical analysis was completed using Chi‐Square tests for males and females. The level of significance was 0.05.ResultsData are presented as a percentage. A total of 5964 people participated in the survey. Statistical analysis showed that out of the total males who self‐reported normal BMI, 18% considered themselves underweight and 77.6% considered the right weight. Out of the total males who self‐reported overweight BMI, 58.3% considered themselves right weight and 2.2% considered underweight (χ2=1276.285, p=0.000). On the other hand, females who self‐reported normal weight, 7.8% considered themselves underweight and 76.2% considered the right weight. Out of the total females who self‐reported overweight, 31.5% considered the right weight and 1.8% considered underweight (χ2=1612.828, p=0.000). Out of the total males who self‐reported overweight, 39.1% wants to stay at the same weight and 7.8% wants to gain weight (χ2=1169.259, p=0.000). On the other hand, females who self‐reported overweight, 19.9% want to stay at the same weight and 8.4% want to gain weight (χ2=1162.907, p=0.000).ConclusionThe results of this study show that when self‐reported BMI is normal, males and females share similar perceptions on considering themselves the right weight, with the caveat that more males self‐reporting normal BMI consider themselves underweight compared to females. When self‐reported BMI was higher (overweight) perceptions varied between males and females. Significantly more males considered themselves to be the right weight compared to females in the overweight category. Furthermore, in the overweight range, males report wanting to remain the same weight significantly more than females in the same BMI range. The results of this study provide framework for understanding the differences in how males and females ages 16 years and above perceive their weight in relation to their current weight status. This is significant in the current climate of the obesity epidemic in the United States, with rapidly climbing rates of obesity and overweight persons rising each year. Perceptions on current weight status are motivational factors for individuals regarding their attitudes in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle to attain a lower BMI.

Parental perception of child's body mass index and health within primary care.

Overweight and obesity are sensitive issues to address with pediatric patients during any visit. Patients and families may not recognize that their child is overweight or obese and may not be ready to make change. The goals for this study were to collect overall statistics on the clinic in regards to weight status of children presenting for well child visits and to capture parental perception of the child's weight status in relation to child's age. A consecutive sample of parents and caregivers with a child aged 2-18 completed the survey and consented for the study on the day of the survey during a well child visit. Parents, regardless of culture and age tended to underestimate the weight of their child. These findings further support the literature in that the younger the child, the more likely it is that the parent underestimates their weight status. Interventions should include early education with parents on what a healthy weight is and how it can predict future health. Addressing and recognizing early concerns and assessing parental perception can be important if educational messages are delivered throughout the span of the early years.

OVERWEIGHT OBESITY AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK IN MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION.

the hormonal decline that is characteristic of the menopause, in conjunction with the associated weight gain, is considered a determinant factor of cardiovascular risk. to examine weight status in relation to clinical symptoms during the menopausal transition, in women referred from primary care to an endocrinology specialist, to determine potential cardiovascular risk profiles. observational analytic cross-sectional study, conducted with data from medical records created at time of referral. 805 women aged 40 years or older, a sufficient number of subjects and medical records for cardiovascular risk to be estimated. hierarchic cluster analysis distinguished four clusters. The prevalence of obesity in each one exceeded 60%. The highest mean cardiovascular risk was observed in women who were older and presented obesity and hypertension. In younger age groups, the risk was low, rising to levels similar to those of the older women by the age of 65 years. these results suggest that preventive and therapeutic monitoring of obesity and modifiable risk factors should be conducted during the menopausal transition, to reduce the risk attributable to these factors, a risk that increases with time.

Longitudinal investigation of adenovirus 36 seropositivity and human obesity: the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study.

Adenovirus-36 (Adv-36) infection is associated with exaggerated adipogenesis in cell culture and the development of obesity in animal models and humans, but a causal relationship remains unproven. Our objective was to determine whether serological evidence of Adv-36 infection in childhood and/or adulthood is associated with adult obesity. Paired plasma concentrations of Adv-36 antibodies were measured by a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a subgroup (n=449) of the Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns Study in childhood (mean age 11.9 years) and adulthood (mean age 41.3 years). The study group included (1) individuals who had maintained normal-weight status (2) those who became obese adults from a normal-weight status in childhood and (3) those that were overweight/obese as a child and obese as an adult. Mean (s.d.) time between baseline and follow-up was 29.4 (3.2) years (range 21-31 years). A total of 24.4% of individuals who were normal weight throughout life were seropositive for Adv-36 during child and/or adulthood as compared with 32.3% of those who became obese adults (P=0.11). Those who became obese in adulthood were more likely to be Adv-36 seropositive as adults compared with those who maintained normal weight (21.3% vs. 11.6%, P=0.02). This difference was mediated by a decline in Adv-36 seropositivity between child and adulthood in those maintaining normal weight. No differences were observed in body mass index across the life course, nor in waist circumference in adult life, between those who were Adv-36 seronegative or seropositive at any age. Individuals who gained weight across the life course were more likely to be Adv-36 seropositive in adult life than those who did not gain weight. However, analysis of change in weight status in relation to Adv-36 positivity did not support a causal role for Adv-36 in the development of obesity.

Weight suppression and body mass index interact to predict long-term weight outcomes in adolescent-onset anorexia nervosa.

Research on anorexia nervosa (AN) has emphasized the importance of low absolute body weight, but emerging research suggests the importance of also considering low body weight relative to an individual's highest premorbid weight (weight suppression; WS). We investigated whether body mass index and WS at lowest weight (BMI-LW and WS-LW) among adolescents with AN predicted BMI at 6-, 10-, or 18-year follow-up, duration of AN, or total eating disorder duration, including time during which criteria were met for bulimia nervosa or eating disorder not otherwise specified. Forty-seven cases of AN identified through community screening in Sweden were included. Weight and height data were collected from medical records, school nurse charts, and study follow-up assessments. Higher WS-LW was associated with higher BMI at 6-year and 10-year follow-up, and this effect was strongest among those with the lowest BMI-LW values. BMI-LW and WS-LW were positively associated with BMI at 18-year follow-up, but there was no significant interaction. There was no significant association between WS-LW and AN duration or eating disorder duration, although eating disorder duration was longer among those with higher BMI-LW, controlling for WS-LW. Absolute and relative weight status interact to predict weight outcomes in AN over the long term. RESULTS suggest that BMI and WS may be more relevant to the prediction of long-term weight outcomes than to the persistence of other eating disorder symptoms.

Comparison of sedentary behaviors between children with autism spectrum disorders and typically developing children

Time spent in sedentary behavior is largely due to time spent engaged with electronic screen media. Little is known about the extent to which sedentary behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder differ from typically developing children. We used parental report to assess and compare time spent in sedentary behaviors for 53 children with autism spectrum disorder and 58 typically developing children aged 3-11 years. We also determined how sedentary behavior was related to child weight status (body mass index z-score). Overall, children with autism spectrum disorder spent an hour more in sedentary behaviors on weekdays compared to typically developing children (5.2 vs 4.2 h, p = 0.03), and most of this difference was due to screen time. The age- and sex-adjusted estimate of weekday total daily screen time was 1.6 h (typically developing) compared to 2.5 h (autism spectrum disorder, p = 0.004 for difference). A significant relationship between BMI z-score and total sedentary behavior time on weekend days was observed among young children with ASD, but not among TD children. The modest association between weekend sedentary behaviour time and BMI z-score among children with ASD suggests that sedentary behaiour is linked to relative weight status in these children. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and identify causal pathways.

The relation of weight suppression and body mass index to symptomatology and treatment response in anorexia nervosa.

Weight suppression, the difference between highest past weight and current weight, is a robust predictor of clinical characteristics of bulimia nervosa; however, the influence of weight suppression in anorexia nervosa (AN) has been little studied, and to our knowledge, no study to date has investigated the ways in which the relevance of weight suppression in AN may depend upon an individual's current body mass index (BMI). The present study investigated weight suppression, BMI, and their interaction as cross-sectional and prospective predictors of psychological symptoms and weight in AN. Women with AN completed depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II) and eating disorder symptomatology measures (Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire and Eating Disorders Inventory-3) at residential treatment admission (N = 350) and discharge (N = 238). Weight suppression and BMI were weakly correlated (r = -.22). At admission, BMI was positively correlated with all symptom measures except Restraint and Depression scores. Weight suppression was also independently positively correlated with all measures except Weight Concern and Body Dissatisfaction subscale scores. In analyses examining discharge scores (including admission values as covariates), the admission weight suppression × BMI interaction consistently predicted posttreatment psychopathology. Controlling for weight gain in treatment and age, higher admission weight suppression predicted lower discharge scores (less symptom endorsement) among those with lower BMIs; among those with higher BMIs, higher weight suppression predicted higher discharge scores. These results are the first to our knowledge to demonstrate that absolute and relative weight status are joint indicators of AN severity and prognosis. These findings may have major implications for conceptualization and treatment of AN.

Universal Screening of Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Adolescents: Does it Identify High Risk Families?

s / Can J Diabetes 37 (2013) S217eS289 S284 Conclusion: Despite their higher relative weight status, the SO grouphad cardiometabolic risk profiles and lifestyle behaviours that were similar to, and in some casesmore favourable than, theOW/OB peers. Additional analyses are underway to explore possible sex-, ethnicity-, and age-related differences between SO and OW/OB group.

Prevalence of Obesity in The TARGet Kids! Cohort Using the WHO and IOTF Cut-offs

s / Can J Diabetes 37 (2013) S217eS289 S284 Conclusion: Despite their higher relative weight status, the SO grouphad cardiometabolic risk profiles and lifestyle behaviours that were similar to, and in some casesmore favourable than, theOW/OB peers. Additional analyses are underway to explore possible sex-, ethnicity-, and age-related differences between SO and OW/OB group.

Talking the Talk or Walking the Walk? Nutrition and Physical Activity Habits of Parents of Children and Youth with Obesity

Results: After adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity and living alone status, dog ownership was associated with higher levels of walking in the fall/winter (1172 steps per day, 95% CI 191 to 2154) but not in the spring/summer (307 steps per day, 95% CI -696 to 1310). No associations were observed between dog ownership and BMI (fall/ winter: 0.7 kg/m 2 , 95% CI -1.8 to 3.1; spring/summer: -0.4 kg/m 2 , 95% CI -2.6 to 1.9). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that dog ownership may be an important factor in helping adults with DM2 achieve higher levels of walking in the fall/winter but not in the spring/ summer. Because the effects of dog ownership on BMI may emerge over time, additional longitudinal research is encouraged. Background: Parents help their sons and daughters to develop healthy lifestyle habits, which is particularly important for obesity management. Our purpose was to characterize the weight status, diet, and physical activity of parents of children and youth with obesity. Methods: Cross-sectional waist circumference, height, and weight data were measured in 242 parents of 8e18 years olds with obesity. Relative weight status categories were created using BMI. Parents recorded their dietary intake, physical activity, and leisure time screen time using a food record, pedometer, and physical activity record, respectively. Results: The proportions of parents categorized as normal weight, overweight, and obese were 17.4%, 25.2%, and 57.4%, respectively; 39.6% of parents had abdominal obesity. Based on Canada's Food Guide, 8%, 27%, 45%, and 62% consumed the recommended number of daily servings of Vegetables & Fruit (7-10), Milk & Alternatives (2-3), Grain Products (6-8), and Meat & Alternatives (2-3), respec- tively. Regarding physical activity, 23.2% accumulated � 10,000 steps/day, 48.7% participated in >30 minutes/day, and 46.1% limited leisure time screen time to <120 minutes/day. Conclusion: Parents of children and youth with obesity were predominantly overweight or obese, and most did not achieve current recommendations. Interventions for managing pediatric obesity should attend to the lifestyle habits of children and youth and their parents to optimize family health.

Corner Store and Commuting Patterns of Low-Income, Urban Elementary School Students

Results: The majority of 4 th - 6 th grade urban students shopped in corners stores either in the morning (57.4%) or in the afternoon (58.5%). Nearly half (44.8%) reported shopping and purchasing in both the morning and the afternoon. Children reported spending approximately $2.00 per corner store visit. Approximately two-thirds of children reported that they walked to or from school. Children who walked to school frequented corner stores more than those using other commuting methods. Relative weight status was not related to corner store or commuting patterns. Conclusion: Many low-income children purchase food at corner stores before and/or after school making corner stores an important target for public health nutrition. While many children walk to school, those are more likely to frequent corner stores. Neither corner store nor commuting pattern was associated with relative weight.

The impact of weight, sex, and race/ethnicity on body dissatisfaction among urban children

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relative contributions of weight status, race/ethnicity, sex, and age on body dissatisfaction in a large group of diverse children. Participants were 4th–6th graders ( N = 1212) in ten inner-city schools who participated in an obesity prevention study previously published. Children completed the body dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), and weight status was assessed by measured weights and heights. Multiple regression analyses were conducted. Relative weight status was the strongest predictor of body dissatisfaction, followed by race/ethnicity, and sex. Body dissatisfaction was greatest in obese, Asian, and female children. Overall, results indicated that children's body dissatisfaction varies based on relative weight status, as well as race/ethnicity and sex among urban children. Results highlight the strong need for additional research so that more definitive conclusions may be drawn regarding the development of body image among diverse groups of children.

Early childhood weight status in relation to asthma development in high-risk children

Obesity has been proposed to be a risk factor for the development of childhood asthma. We sought to examine weight status from birth to age 5 years in relation to the occurrence of asthma at ages 6 and 8 years. Two hundred eighty-five full-term high-risk newborns with at least 1 asthmatic/atopic parent enrolled in the Childhood Origin of Asthma project were studied from birth to age 8 years. Overweight was defined by weight-for-length percentiles of greater than the 85th percentile before the age of 2 years and a body mass index percentile of greater than the 85th percentile at ages 2 to 5 years. No significant concurrent association was found between overweight status and wheezing/asthma occurrence at each year of age. In contrast, longitudinal analyses revealed complex relationships between being overweight and asthma. Being overweight at age 1 year was associated with a decreased risk of asthma at age 6 (odds ratio [OR], 0.32; P= .02) and 8 (OR, 0.35; P= .04) years, as well as better lung function. However, being overweight beyond infancy was not associated with asthma occurrence. In fact, only children who were overweight at age 5 years but not at age 1 year had an increased risk of asthma at age 6 years (OR, 5.78; P= .05). In children genetically at high risk of asthma, being overweight at age 1 year was associated with a decreased risk of asthma and better lung function at ages 6 and 8 years. However, being overweight beyond infancy did not have any protective effect and even could confer a higher risk for asthma.

Bipolar disorder and leisure-time physical activity: Results from a national survey of Canadians

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare patterns of PA and its potential correlates in individuals with BD to the general population using a representative sample of Canadians. Methods We used data from the 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey 1.2, a national, cross-sectional survey focusing on mental health and addiction ( n = 36,984). We compared PA levels among individuals with BD ( n = 831) to those diagnosed with major depression ( n = 4713) and those with no identified mood disorder ( n = 31,834). Using multivariable logistic regression, we then compared independent effects of sociodemographic and clinical factors in active and inactive BD individuals stratified by relative weight status. Results There were no differences in the proportion of individuals characterized as active, moderately active or inactive among individuals with BD, major depressive disorder or the general population. No sociodemographic or clinical variables were related to PA in individuals with BD, and the relationships between these variables and PA level were not different than those observed in the general population. BD status was independently associated with being overweight (OR = 1.26, p = 0.03). An interaction between BD status and PA was also observed (OR = 1.12, p = 0.005), suggesting a reduced role for PA in reducing the risk of being overweight in person with BD. Conclusions The results suggest that levels of self-reported PA are not lower among people with BD living in the community than in the general population. Future research should assess levels of PA using objective measures and determine whether PA improves psychosocial outcomes in this population.