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Self‐reported weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress in childhood: Heightening the risk of obesity in early adolescence
Author(s) -
HarnoisLeblanc Soren,
Van Hulst Andraea,
Sabiston Catherine M.,
Maximova Katerina,
Béland Mélanie,
Doré Isabelle,
Sylvestre MariePierre,
Henderson Mélanie
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.23474
Subject(s) - weight loss , overweight , obesity , medicine , cohort , body mass index , demography , weight change , childhood obesity , confounding , cohort study , weight gain , waist to height ratio , pediatrics , waist , body weight , sociology
Abstract Objective Weight loss attempts occur as early as childhood. The impacts of weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress on the occurrence of obesity during childhood remain unknown. We aimed to: (a) assess the prevalence of self‐reported weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress in 8–10 year‐old children and (b) determine associations with adiposity 2 years later. Method Data were collected from a cohort study of 564 Canadian children aged 8–10 years, having one or both biological parents with obesity (Quebec Adipose and Lifestyle Investigation in Youth cohort). Self‐reported weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress were assessed at baseline in the child's questionnaire. Adiposity was measured at baseline and 2 years later using body mass index z ‐scores (zBMI), waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR), and percentage of body fat (%BF) obtained from dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used while adjusting for potential confounders. Results Forty‐eight percent of children reported previous weight loss attempts and 20% reported weight‐related stress. Self‐reported weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress were associated with higher zBMI, WHtR, and %BF 2 years later in adjusted models, although estimates were attenuated when including baseline adiposity measures. Self‐reported weight loss attempts, but not weight‐related stress, increased the risk of becoming overweight among children who were normal weight at baseline. Discussion Weight loss attempts are prevalent in children with parental obesity. Children reporting weight loss attempts and weight‐related stress tend to have higher adiposity 2 years later and are more likely to become overweight.