Perceived Overweight, BMI, and Risk for Suicide Attempts: Findings from the 2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Among U.S. youth (N = 14,041), perceived (odds ratio [OR]adj. = 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.72) and actual overweight (ORadj. = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07–1.60) were associated with suicide attempts in analyses controlling for demographic characteristics and potential confounders. There is a need to better understand associations between perceived and actual overweight and risk for suicide attempts and to develop appropriate strategies for prevention.