Social factors, weight perception, and weight control practices among adolescents in Mexico. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bojorquez, Ietza; Villatoro, Jorge; Delgadillo, Marlene; Fleiz, Clara; Fregoso, Diana; Unikel, Claudia
• Is Part Of: Journal of health psychology. Volume 23:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 939
• Page End: 950
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: adolescence -- body image -- disordered eating -- socioeconomic factors -- weight control -- weight perception; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; 613.019
• DOI: 10.1177/1359105316643596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-1053

Abstract

We evaluated the association of social factors and weight control practices in adolescents, and the mediation of this association by weight perception, in a national survey of students in Mexico ( n = 28, 266). We employed multinomial and Poisson regression models and Sobel's test to assess mediation. Students whose mothers had a higher level of education were more likely to perceive themselves as overweight and also to engage in weight control practices. After adjusting for body weight perception, the effect of maternal education on weight control practices remained significant. Mediation tests were significant for boys and non-significant for girls.