Marla E Eisenberg1, Rebecca Puhl2, Eunice M Areba3, Dianne Neumark-Sztainer4. 1. University of Minnesota, Department of Pediatrics, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; University of Minnesota, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America. Electronic address: eisen012@umn.edu. 2. University of Connecticut, Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, Hartford, CT, United States of America. 3. University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America. 4. University of Minnesota, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the prevalence of weight-based teasing by family members and associations with unhealthy weight control behaviors, body satisfaction, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among adolescents from three immigrant communities (Latinx, Hmong, and Somali). METHODS: Data come from EAT 2010, a population-based study of weight and related behaviors (N = 1577, mean age = 14.5 years). Adjusted models tested associations between weight-based teasing and well-being, controlling for BMI and ethnic group; effect modification by ethnic group and acculturation were also explored. RESULTS: Family weight-based teasing was common (12.1%-42.9% reporting this experience across gender and ethnic groups) and was associated with all four measures of well-being in the expected direction. Associations were statistically equivalent in all ethnic groups and were not modified by acculturation. CONCLUSION: Youth from immigrant communities experience family weight-based teasing and associated threats to well-being. Additional research is needed to further understand the cultural context of weight-based teasing and develop relevant prevention messages.
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the prevalence of weight-based teasing by family members and associations with unhealthy weight control behaviors, body satisfaction, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms among adolescents from three immigrant communities (Latinx, Hmong, and Somali). METHODS: Data come from EAT 2010, a population-based study of weight and related behaviors (N = 1577, mean age = 14.5 years). Adjusted models tested associations between weight-based teasing and well-being, controlling for BMI and ethnic group; effect modification by ethnic group and acculturation were also explored. RESULTS: Family weight-based teasing was common (12.1%-42.9% reporting this experience across gender and ethnic groups) and was associated with all four measures of well-being in the expected direction. Associations were statistically equivalent in all ethnic groups and were not modified by acculturation. CONCLUSION: Youth from immigrant communities experience family weight-based teasing and associated threats to well-being. Additional research is needed to further understand the cultural context of weight-based teasing and develop relevant prevention messages.
Authors: C Treloar; J Porteous; F Hassan; N Kasniyah; M Lakshmanudu; M Sama; M Sja'bani; R F Heller Journal: Health Place Date: 1999-12 Impact factor: 4.078