Weight-teasing: does body dissatisfaction mediate weight-control behaviors of Brazilian adolescent girls from low-income communities?

Cad Saude Publica. 2018 Jun 21;34(6):e00029817. doi: 10.1590/0102-311X00029817.

Abstract

The objective was to examine the mediation hypothesis of body dissatisfaction and analyze their association with weight-teasing and body satisfaction. A total of 253 girls who attended 10 schools from São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. Data collection was carried out through a validated and self-reported questionnaire. Study variables were weight-teasing (independent), body satisfaction (mediation), and weight control behavior (outcome). Effect mediation analyses showed a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05). Prevalence of family and peers weight-teasing were 38.5% and 40.6%, respectively. Body dissatisfaction was associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors when controlled by family and peer weight-teasing. Data indicate that family and peers teasing are important aspects that interfere in body satisfaction and weight control behaviors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Body Weight*
  • Brazil
  • Bullying*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Diet, Reducing / psychology
  • Female
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Pediatric Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Pediatric Obesity / psychology*
  • Peer Group
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Poverty / psychology
  • Reference Values
  • Self Report