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

Objectives. This study sought to determine whether adolescent 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 from nationally representative sample of 16 296 adolescents taking part in the 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Results. Adolescents using extreme weight controlled behaviors were at increased risk for health-compromising behaviors while associations with other way control behavior 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.