Overweight trajectories and psychosocial adjustment among adolescents.

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have investigated overweight trajectories and psychosocial adjustment among adolescents. We conducted analyses with data from the multisite Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD).

METHODS

The sample included 1350 youths born in 1991. Data consisted of repeated measures of weight, height, and multiple subscales of internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) from age 9 to age 15.

RESULTS

Three trajectory patterns were identified: never/rarely overweight/obese (59.5%), late start/light overweight/obese (12.1%), and chronically/heavy overweight/obese (28.4%). Youths with chronically/heavy overweight/obese trajectory pattern had significantly higher scores of internalizing problems over time, as well as syndrome subscales of somatic complaints, social problems and social withdrawal over time than youths with the never/rare overweight/obese trajectory pattern. There was no significant difference in either broad-band behavioral problems or narrow-band syndrome subscales between youths with the never/rare overweight/obese trajectory pattern and those with the late start/light overweight/obesity trajectory pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings may advance knowledge on the distinct developmental trajectory patterns of overweight youth and their linkages to the psychosocial adjustment during the period of pubertal transition. The results highlight the need for future prevention research to improve the physical development and mental well-being of adolescents.