Adolescent obesity and life satisfaction: Perceptions of self, peers, family, and school

This study contributes to research on adolescent life satisfaction by considering its association with body weight, as mediated by perceptions of self, peers, family, and school. Data from the Health Behaviors in School-Age Children Survey (2001–2002) and OLS regression techniques are used to examine the association between body weight and life satisfaction. We also model these relationships by gender. Results indicate lower life satisfaction among adolescents that are overweight and obese relative to healthy weight youth, and that most of the negative association operates through perceptions of self, peers, parents, and school. We find little or no gender difference in the association between body weight and perceptions of self, peers, parents, and school; however, we find perceptions of body weight are generally more strongly associated with low life satisfaction among girls compared to boys.

► We examine the association between adolescent body weight and life satisfaction. ► We consider perceptions of self, peers, family and school as mediating factors. ► Overweight and obese teens report lower satisfaction than healthy weight teens. ► Perceptions of self, peers, parents, and school are the primary mediators. ► Negative link between perceptions and satisfaction is stronger for girls than boys.