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Fysisk aktivitet, matvanor, övervikt och självkänsla bland ungdomar

Fysisk aktivitet, matvanor, övervikt och självkänsla bland ungdomar

Fysisk aktivitet, matvanor, övervikt och självkänsla bland ungdomar

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Summary<br />

15<br />

It is known from previous studies that self-esteem is related to mental<br />

health. It was found in this study that girls had lower self-esteem than boys,<br />

and that the lowest score was on the “psychological well-being” subscale.<br />

Adolescents with low self-esteem were found to be more sedentary and less<br />

physically active than those with high self-esteem. Those with high selfesteem<br />

more often ate “healthy food”, whereas those with low self-esteem<br />

had more irregular eating habits than the others.<br />

Further, boys with low self-esteem had a higher mean BMI and a greater<br />

waist circumference than those with high self-esteem.Young people who<br />

were overweight or obese showed lower self-esteem than the others, and<br />

those who were content with their body size showed higher self-esteem<br />

than those who were discontent.<br />

Although this cross-sectional study cannot give definite answers about<br />

cauality, there are grounds for believing that poor and irregular eating habits<br />

in combination with a sedentary life style (in front of the TV or video) seem<br />

to be important factors contributing to the social and ethnic differences in<br />

obesity. A low level of physical activity contributes to such differences to<br />

only a small extent, or even not at all, but is a problem for all socioeconomic<br />

groups. It is likely that low self-esteem gives rise to poor health behaviors.<br />

The COMPASS study has identified a number of factors related to<br />

eating habits and physical activity among adolescents. Although the design<br />

of the study does not permit far-reaching conclusions to be drawn about<br />

causality, it is known from other studies that there are health determinants<br />

at all levels of society – ranging from the individual, through the family and<br />

school, to the local community’s environment and policies. Accordingly,<br />

prevention of overweight and obesity should follow an integrated approach<br />

across several different levels.The recommendations in this report are relevant<br />

at all these levels, and may provide a good foundation for the planning<br />

of future efforts designed to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity<br />

among the young.

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