Adolescents Engaging in Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors: are They at Risk for Other Health-Compromising Behaviors?

This study sought to determine whether adolescents engaging in weight control behaviours are at increased risk for tobacco, alcohol, & marijuana use; suicide ideation & attempts; & unprotected sexual activity. The findings suggest an overall pattern in which only those adolescents engaging in extreme weight control behaviours were at increased risk for other health-compromising behaviours. (48 refs)