LIFESTYLE AND SOCIAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-RATED HEALTH IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Overweight and obesity are major public health challenges, especially among adolescents. The determinants of obesity in this age group are complex and multifactorial, and include both genetic and environmental factors. Adolescents in lower socioeconomic groups are at greater risk for obesity. Obesity can lead to serious health consequences and psychosocial complications, both during childhood and later in life. Previous studies have shown that overweight or obese adolescents of both genders more often rate their health as poor compared to adolescents with normal weight status. Self-rated health captures aspects of both mental and physical health, and is related to the self-concept of health among adolescents.