Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents: Relationship to Weight Status, Weight Control Behaviors, and Body Dissatisfaction

This study examined associations between suicidal behaviours & extreme & less extreme weight control behaviours, body dissatisfaction, & weight status in adolescents. Data were drawn from Project EAT, a survey of 4,746 Grade 7-12 students. Multivariate logistic regressions examined associations. Suicide ideation & suicide attempts were more commonly observed in adolescents with extreme weight control behaviour, less extreme weight control behaviour, & body dissatisfaction, even after controlling for depressive symptoms. No association was observed between body mass index & suicide attempts or ideation. (26 refs.) JA