Weight-related concerns and behaviors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Abstract

Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes are at risk for disordered eating and unhealthy weight-control practices. This study describes (a) participants' weight perception and weight satisfaction, (b) participants' scores on the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey (DEPS), (c) prevalence of weight-control behaviors, and (d) association of DEPS and weight-control behaviors with race, gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), weight satisfaction, and weight perception. TheAHEAD survey was completed by 295 participants to determine weight satisfaction, weight perception, and weight-control behaviors. Height, weight, and HbA1c were obtained from clinic charts. Older females with higher BMI and elevated HbA1c used significantly more weight-control behaviors. Weight dissatisfaction and heavy weight perception were associated with significantly more unhealthy weight-control practices. Prevention programs should be directed toward the preteen female. Older female teens presenting with higher BMI, elevated HbA1c, weight dissatisfaction, and heavy weight perception should be formally assessed for unhealthy weight-control behaviors. J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc, 2008; 13(6), 376-385. DOI: 10.1177/1078390307310154.