Cross-sectional study of BMI, weight concern, body size perception, dieting and mental distress in adolescents: The HUNT Study

OBJECTIVE: We examined the associations between body mass index (BMI), weight concern, body size perception, dieting and mental distress in a population-based study of 7350 adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTINGS: Data from a Norwegian population-based cohort, The Young-HUNT3 (2006–2008) from the county of Nord-Trøndelag, Norway. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7350 adolescents (13–19 years) who had both self-reported questionnaire data and anthropometric measures. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Odds for mental distress given sex, BMI, weight concern, body size perception and dieting. Analyses were performed in binomial logistic regression models. RESULTS: Compared with being overweight/obese, having weight concern, irrespective of BMI, was associated with higher OR for mental distress (MD) among boys and girls. Body size overestimation was associated with an increase in the OR for MD, in participants who were overweight/obese, had weight concern or dieted. This effect was more pronounced in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Weight concern and body-size estimation are strongly associated with mental health in adolescent boys and girls. Routine assessment of adolescents’ attitudes towards their weight and body size is advised.