Effect of childhood obesity on mental health among youth in Canada
Authors: Mary Ellen Kuenzig
Overview
Abstract (English)
Objectives: Overweight adolescents frequently fail to recognize that they are overweight. This project examines the magnitude of weight status underestimation among overweight adolescents and identifies predictors of this underestimation. Methods: Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey (2001-2010) were used. Overweight adolescents (N=11,452) reporting they were underweight or about right were classified as underestimating their weight. The time trend in underestimation and effects of individual-level characteristics on underestimation were examined using logistic regression. Multilevel analysis examined the effect of weight status of community-based reference groups. Results: For every 5 overweight male adolescents, 3 underestimated their weight; 2 of 5 overweight females underestimated. Exposure to overweight explained some of the variation in underestimation across communities among females. Conclusions: Weight status underestimation is a significant problem among overweight adolescents. Understanding how adolescents perceive their weight is an important and novel concept in maximizing the effectiveness of current approaches to adolescent obesity.
Abstract (French)
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Details
| Type | Master’s thesis |
|---|---|
| Author | Mary Ellen Kuenzig |
| Publication Year | 2012 |
| Title | Effect of childhood obesity on mental health among youth in Canada |
| City | London, ON |
| Department | Epidemiology & Biostatistics |
| University | University of Western Ontario |
| Publication Language | English |
- Mary Ellen Kuenzig
- Effect of childhood obesity on mental health among youth in Canada
- Mary Ellen Kuenzig
- University of Western Ontario
- 2012
- Master’s thesis