Differences in psychological correlates of excess weight between adolescents and young adults in Canada

Abstract

There is a noticeable rise in the prevalence of excess weight in Canadian youth. Research has shown that certain psychological variables are implicated in the etiology of obesity. Hence, this study had the purpose of examining some of these variables among Canadian youth, and detecting differences between adolescents and young adults. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey collected in 2003 was used to depict associations between selected psychological variables and excess weight among Canadians aged between 15 and 29 years. Results have shown that satisfaction with the way the body looks and satisfaction with life were inversely associated with excess weight in females. However, in males, satisfaction with life seemed to increase with age. For both genders, significant associations were observed between having a strong fear of being too fat, the respondent opinion of own weight and excess weight. Regarding weight control and eating habits, excess weight was associated with smoking less frequently in males aged between 25 and 29 years. The opposite was observed for females. For both genders, a positive association was observed between avoiding food because of calorie content and excess weight. Present findings highlight gender differences in body image perception, life satisfaction, and weight control practices. Moreover, changes or persistence in these variables between adolescents and young adults have also been detected in both males and females suggesting that early interventions might prevent the persistence of these psychological issues and habits in a older age.

Keywords:

• body weight
• body mass index
• obesity
• body image
• correlates
• psycho-social
• adolescent
• Canada