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IntroductionLittle is known about gender differences in associations between weight control intentions and mental health in adolescents. Our objective was to examine these associations in a large sample of adolescent girls and boys. MethodsUsing data from Year 6 (2017–18) of the COMPASS study (n = 57 324), we performed a series of multivariable linear regressions to examine whether weight control intentions (gain, lose, stay the same, no intention) were associated with depression, anxiety and self-concept, while adjusting for relevant covariates including body mass index. Models were stratified by self-reported gender. ResultsCompared to those with no intentions, girls who intended to lose weight reported higher symptoms of depression (B = 0.52, p $lt; 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.41, p $lt; 0.001) and poorer self-concept (B = 2.06, p $lt; 0.001). Girls who intended to gain weight also reported higher symptoms of depression (B = 0.54, p $lt; 0.001), anxiety (B = 0.50, p $lt; 0.001) and self-concept (B = 1.25, p $lt; 0.001). Boys who intended to lose weight reported greater symptoms of depression (B = 0.26, p $lt; 0.001) and anxiety (B = 0.33, p $lt; 0.001) and poor self-concept (B = 1.10, p $lt; 0.001). In boys, weight-gain intentions were associated with greater symptoms of anxiety (B = 0.17, p $lt; 0.05), but not depression or self-concept. ConclusionIntentions to gain or lose weight were associated with symptoms of mental disorder and poor self-concept in our large sample of adolescents, and these relationships differed in boys and girls. These findings have important implications for school-based programs promoting healthy weight and body image.

IntroductionLes différences entre les genres en lien avec les intentions de contrôle du poids et la santé mentale des adolescents sont peu connues. Notre objectif était d’examiner ces associations au sein d’un vaste échantillon d’adolescents et d’adolescentes. MéthodologieEn utilisant les données de l’année 6 (2017-2018) de l’étude COMPASS (n = 57 324), nous avons procédé à une série de régressions linéaires multivariables pour déterminer si les intentions de contrôle du poids (gain de poids, perte de poids, maintien du poids, aucune intention) étaient associées à la dépression, à l’anxiété et à l’image de soi, tout en tenant compte de covariables pertinentes, dont l’indice de masse corporelle. Les modèles ont été stratifiés en fonction du genre autodéclaré. RésultatsPar rapport aux filles sans intention en matière de contrôle du poids, les filles ayant l’intention de perdre du poids ont fait état de symptômes plus importants de dépression (B = 0,52, p $lt; 0,001) et d’anxiété (B = 0,41, p $lt; 0,001) ainsi que d’une moins bonne image d’elles-mêmes (B = 2,06, p $lt; 0,001). Les filles ayant l’intention de prendre du poids ont elles aussi fait état de symptômes plus marqués de dépression (B = 0,54, p $lt; 0,001) et d’anxiété (B = 0,50, p $lt; 0,001) ainsi qu’une moins bonne image d’elles-mêmes (B = 1,25, p $lt; 0,001). De leur côté, les garçons ayant l’intention de perdre du poids ont fait état de symptômes plus importants de dépression (B = 0,26, p $lt; 0,001) et d’anxiété (B = 0,33, p $lt; 0,001) ainsi que d’une mauvaise image d’eux-mêmes (B = 1,10, p $lt; 0,001). Enfin, toujours chez les garçons, les intentions de gain de poids étaient associées à des symptômes d’anxiété plus prononcés (B = 0,17, p $lt; 0,05), mais aucune différence n’a été observée en ce qui concerne les symptômes de dépression et d’image de soi. ConclusionLes intentions de gain ou de perte de poids étaient corrélées à des symptômes de troubles mentaux et à une mauvaise image de soi au sein du vaste échantillon d’adolescents sur lequel porte notre étude, avec des associations différentes chez les garçons et les filles. Ces résultats ont des implications importantes pour les programmes scolaires visant à promouvoir un poids santé et une image du corps saine.

Background: Several recent global events may have impacted adolescent sleep and exacerbated pre-existing disparities by social positions (i.e., social roles, identity or sociodemographic factors, and/or group memberships that are associated with power and oppression due to the structures and processes in a given society at given time). Current understanding of sleep among adolescents is critical to inform interventions for a more equitable future, given the short and long-term consequences of inadequate sleep on health and well-being. This study aimed to provide contemporary evidence on sleep disparities by key social positions among adolescents in Canada. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using self-reported data collected during 2020–2021 (the first full school year after the COVID-19 pandemic onset) from 52,138 students (mean [SD] age = 14.9 [1.5]) attending 133 Canadian secondary schools. Multiple regression models were used to test whether sleep quality (how well students slept during past week), duration (weekday, weekend, weighted daily average), and guideline adherence (8–10 h/day) differed by sex and gender, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES). Results: Females reported a mean [95% CI] difference of -1.7 [-3.7, 0.4] min/day less sleep on weekdays than males, but 7.1 [4.5, 9.6] min/day more sleep on weekends, resulting in no difference in average daily sleep between males and females. Females were less likely to report good quality sleep compared to males (AOR = 0.57 [0.54, 0.60]). SES followed a generally monotonic trend where higher scores were associated with more sleep on weekdays (Δhighest: lowest = -28.6 [-39.5, -17.6]) and weekends (Δhighest: lowest = -17.5 [-3.8, -31.2]) and greater likelihood of higher sleep quality (AORhighest: lowest = 3.04 [2.35, 3.92]). Relative to White adolescents, weekday and average daily sleep duration were lower among all other racial identities; mean differences ranged from ∼ 5–15 min/day, with Black students reporting the least sleep. Conclusions: Differences in sleep duration and quality were most profound among adolescents from the lowest and highest SES. Racial disparities were more evident on weekdays. Compensatory weekend sleep appears more pronounced in females than males. Addressing sleep inequities is critical, as a robust predictor of multiple health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The school environment has the potential to influence student body mass index (BMI) through programs and policies. Our objective was to examine the effect of modifying obesity-related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. Methods: Obesity-related school policies and programs related to physical activity and healthy eating were collected from 41 schools across Ontario at baseline (2012-2013) and year 2 (2013-2014) of the COMPASS study. Self-reported height and weight were collected from the 4951 grades 9 and 10 students who attended those schools for 3 years. Linear mixed effects regression models examined the effect of modifying obesity-related school policies and programs on youths' BMI trajectories. Results: Between Y[subscript 1] and Y[subscript 2], 26 of the 41 schools implemented distinct new obesity-related programs or policies related to physical activity or healthy eating. Five of the interventions were associated with BMI trajectories of students attending those schools compared to students attending a pooled sample of control schools, predicting a higher BMI trajectory. Conclusions: Isolated programs and policies may not successfully improve youths' BMI trajectories. Further research is required to test the implementation of policies and programs that follow a comprehensive school health (CSH) approach, targeting BMI and associated behaviors.