The association of weight status and weight perception with number of confidants in adolescents

PLoS One. 2019 Dec 4;14(12):e0225908. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225908. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Weight status and self-weight perception are related to social relationship issues. Studies have suggested links between non-normal weight status or weight perception and youths having fewer confidants, but these relationships are unclear and remain to be studied. This preliminary cross-sectional study examined the effects of weight status and weight perception on the number of confidants in adolescents. Self-report data from 15,279 grade 7-12 students (54.2% boys) were analyzed. The number of confidants (0-3 or ≥ 4) was examined, according to five weight status categories (underweight, low-normal weight, mid-normal weight (reference), high-normal weight, overweight, with Body Mass Index corresponding to ≤ 18.5, ≤ 20.0, ≤ 22.5, ≤ 25.0 and > 25.0 in adults, respectively), and five weight perception categories (too thin, a bit thin, good (reference), a bit fat, too fat). Boys and girls who were overweight and those who perceived themselves to be too fat were significantly more likely to have few confidants. High-normal weight in girls and self-perception of being a bit fat in boys were also associated with having few confidants. In boys, underweight and self-perception of being too thin were additionally associated with having few confidants. Adolescents with non-normal weight status or weight perception may have fewer confidants and require more social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Body Weight*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Odds Ratio
  • Self Concept*
  • Weight Perception*

Grants and funding

This study was supported by a grant from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (No. 15H03083) to TS. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.