Weight Control Intentions And Mental Health Among Canadian Adolescents: A Gender-Based Analysis Of Students In The Compass Study

Introduction: Little is known about gender differences in associations between weight control intentions and mental health in adolescents. Our objective was to examine these associations in a large sample of adolescent girls and boys.Methods: Using data from Year 6 (2017-18) of the COMPASS study (n = 57 324), we performed a series of multivariable linear regressions to examine whether weight control intentions (gain, lose, stay the same, no intention) were associated with depression, anxiety and self-concept, while adjusting for relevant covariates including body mass index. Models were stratified by self-reported gender.Results: Compared to those with no intentions, girls who intended to lose weight reported higher symptoms of depression (beta = 0.52, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = 0.41, p < 0.001) and poorer self-concept (beta = 2.06, p < 0.001). Girls who intended to gain weight also reported higher symptoms of depression (beta = 0.54, p < 0.001), anxiety (beta = 0.50, p < 0.001) and self-concept (beta = 1.25, p < 0.001). Boys who intended to lose weight reported greater symptoms of depression (beta = 0.26, p < 0.001) and anxiety (beta = 0.33, p < 0.001) and poor self-concept (beta = 1.10, p < 0.001). In boys, weight-gain intentions were associated with greater symptoms of anxiety (beta = 0.17, p < 0.05), but not depression or self-concept.Conclusion: Intentions to gain or lose weight were associated with symptoms of mental disorder and poor self-concept in our large sample of adolescents, and these relationships differed in boys and girls. These findings have important implications for schoolbased programs promoting healthy weight and body image.