Longitudinal analysis of weight perception and psychological factors in Chinese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate associations of overweight status and perception with trajectories of psychological distress in adolescents.

METHODS

Longitudinal data for 6970 Chinese adolescents were included. The multivariate curve-of-factor latent growth curve models were adopted to examine trajectories of psychological distress symptoms and associations with overweight status and perception.

RESULTS

After controlling for actual overweight status, psychological distress symptoms were weakly but significantly associated with overweight perception (γ = 0.08 for boys and γ = 0.10 for girls, P < 0.05) and misperception (γ = 0.06 for boys and γ = 0.09 for girls, P < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: Our findings help understanding associations of overweight perception and psychological well being of adolescents.