The Association of Eating Behaviours, and Self‐Concept, With Weight Status of Indian Adolescents

ABSTRACT Background The epidemiological and sociocultural context of Indian adolescents is rapidly changing, thus affecting their eating behaviours and increasing overweight and obesity prevalence. Objectives The current study was aimed at exploring associations of problematic eating behaviours and self‐concept with overweight/obesity in adolescents. Methods This cross‐sectional study was conducted in six schools in Punjab, India, and enrolled 538 randomly selected adolescents aged 10–16 years. The cut‐off of > 23rd adult equivalent BMI for overweight/obesity and < 23rd adult equivalent for healthy weight (IAP, 2015) was used. The Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 18‐item version and Piers‐Harris Self‐Concept Scale were used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to quantify linear relationships among eating behaviours, self‐concept and BMI‐based weight status. An independent t ‐test was applied to determine eating behaviour and self‐concept variations. Results Eating behaviour such as cognitive restraint showed a statistically significant positive correlation with BMI in adolescents ( p ≤ 0.001). Higher cognitive restraint significantly increased the probability of being overweight/obese (odds ratio [OR] = 1.153; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.097–1.211). Physical appearance (PHY) and happiness and satisfaction (HAP) domains of adolescents' self‐concept showed a significant negative correlation with BMI. In girls, the domain of social acceptance (SOC) showed a significant negative correlation with BMI. Conclusion The study highlights the relationship of overweight/obesity with certain aspects of problematic eating behaviours as well as self‐concept in adolescents. These findings warrant further longitudinal studies to establish causality, which may provide a comprehensive understanding of the epidemic of adolescent overweight/obesity in India.