The prevalence of overweight and factors related to overweight in sixth form students.

Abstract

The high prevalence rates of overweight and obesity among adolescents as well as the negative health consequences associated with overweight and obesity demonstrate the need for more effective and specific strategies aimed at modification of eating behaviours of adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity as well as the attitudes and behaviours relevant to being overweight and obese among Maltese sixth form students. A convenience sample of 123 students attending one sixth form college in Malta participated. The students completed a self-report questionnaire consisting of the Overeating Questionnaire. The data obtained was analysed via descriptive statistics, correlations, independent t-tests, as well as multiple regression analyses. This study has demonstrated that sixth forms students have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity (18.7% and 2.8% respectively). The prevalence rates are higher in males than in females. The results also tentatively indicate that the attitudes and behaviours relevant to being overweight and obese in this population are a higher tendency to rationalize away the responsibility for maintaining a healthy body weight and a higher motivation to lose weight. Despite its preliminary nature, this study has yielded some credible and significant findings, and has raised questions which will hopefully be addressed by future research in the field.