Are US Girls Sacrificing Health to Slim Down?

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by News-Medical.

In a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, researchers at Worcester State University, USA, investigated the lifestyle behaviors associated with weight loss intent in adolescent girls using nationally representative data.

The present study used data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, a cross-sectional survey administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to assess health behaviors in US high school students. Researchers extracted data from 4,362 female students in grades 9 through 12 who responded to the question about weight loss intent. Participants were classified into two groups: those trying to lose weight and those not trying.

Variables included dietary habits (e.g., breakfast, fruit, and vegetable intake), physical activity (e.g., strength training, aerobic activity), screen time, sleep duration, alcohol use, and vaping. The Body Mass Index (BMI) percentile was calculated using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts based on self-reported weight and height. Based on the discrepancy between actual BMI and self-view, weight perception was categorized as accurate, underestimated, or overestimated.

Among the adolescent girls surveyed, the weighted estimate was 55.5% reported trying to lose weight. Girls who intended to lose weight had a higher average BMI percentile (75.4) compared to those not trying to lose weight (50.1). However, 43.4% of girls in the normal weight category also reported a desire to lose weight, indicating widespread body image dissatisfaction. Additionally, among girls with a normal BMI, 16% were trying to gain weight, reflecting further complexity in body image concerns. Notably, the highest overall intent to lose weight was observed among Hispanic girls (66.3%) and multiple Hispanic descent (59.9%). Among normal-weight girls, weight loss intent was particularly prevalent among white (47.5%) and Asian (45.7%) girls.

Importantly, the study discusses the possibility of a bidirectional relationship between screen time and weight loss intent. Girls trying to lose weight slept less and used screens more, both of which can contribute to weight gain and mental health challenges. Extended screen time is known to influence self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, especially among adolescent girls, reinforcing a cycle of negative self-image and unhealthy behaviors.

The desire to lose weight was most common among obese girls (87.8%), but was notably high among girls in the normal weight range as well. These findings suggest that weight loss intent is not always aligned with actual weight status and may reflect unrealistic body standards.

To summarize, this study shows that adolescent girls trying to lose weight often engage in unhealthy behaviors such as skipping breakfast, inadequate sleep, excessive screen time, alcohol use, and vaping. These habits may not support long-term weight management or overall well-being. Moreover, a significant portion of girls with a normal BMI still express weight loss intent, highlighting concerns about distorted body image.

Source: News-Medical
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250518/Skipping-breakfast-and-losing-sleep-Are-US-girls-sacrificing-health-to-slim-down.aspx