Adolescents engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors: Are they at risk for other health-compromising behaviors?

Objectives. This study sought to determine whether adolescents engaging in weight control behaviors are at increased risk for tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use; suicide ideation and attempts; and unprotected sexual activity. Methods. Data were collected on a nationally representative sample of 16296 adolescents taking part in the 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Results. Adolescents using extreme weight control behaviors were at increased risk for health-compromising behaviors, while associations with other weight control behaviors were weak and inconsistent. Conclusions. The findings have relevance to clinical work with youth, provide a better understanding of disordered eating, and open up a number of opportunities for future research.