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ObjectiveTo investigate the association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young Norwegian adolescents (12–13 years of age).DesignCross-sectional study. Dietary information was reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to measure mental health problems. The association between eating patterns and mental health problems was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.SettingPrimary schools, Telemark County, Norway.SubjectsChildren (n 1095) aged 12–13 years and their parents.ResultsChildren with high scores on a ‘varied Norwegian’ eating pattern were less likely to have indications of any psychiatric disorders (adjusted OR = 0·5; 95 % CI 0·3, 1·0) and hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 0·4; 95 % CI 0·2, 0·8) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a ‘junk/convenient’ eating pattern were more likely to have indications of hyperactivity-inattention disorders (adjusted OR = 3·4; 95 % CI 1·3, 8·6) than children with low scores on this pattern. Children with high scores on a ‘snacking’ eating pattern were more likely to have indications of conduct/oppositional disorders (adjusted OR = 3·8; 95 % CI 1·2, 11·5) than those with low scores on this eating pattern.ConclusionsWe identified a significant association between eating patterns and mental health problems in young adolescents, independently of physical activity, sedentary activity and background variables. A diverse diet rich in unrefined plant foods, fish and regular meals was associated with better mental health, while energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets and irregular meals were associated with poorer mental health.

Objective: To examine gender-specific associations of weight perception and appearance satisfaction with slimming attempts and eating patterns among young Norwegian adolescents. Design: Cross-sectional study. Adolescent dietary data were reported by parents using a retrospective FFQ. Eating patterns were identified using principal component analysis. Adolescents' reported weight perception, appearance satisfaction and slimming attempts were analysed using cross-tabulation and Pearson's χ 2 test. Associations between perceived weight, appearance satisfaction and slimming attempts/eating patterns were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Setting: Primary schools, Telemark, Norway. Subjects: Children (n 469), mean age 12·7 (SD 0·3) years, and parents. Results: Gender differences were observed in self-perceived weight and appearance satisfaction. Girls were most satisfied with appearance when feeling thin, boys when feeling just the right weight. Perceived overweight was the main predictor of slimming attempts across genders (adjusted OR = 15·3; 95 % CI 6·0, 39·1 for girls; adjusted OR = 18·2; 95 % CI 5·8, 57·3 for boys). Low appearance satisfaction was associated with slimming attempts (adjusted OR = 3·3; 95 % CI 1·0, 10·5) and a dieting eating pattern (adjusted OR = 2·8; 95 % CI 1·5, 5·2) in girls. Perceived underweight was associated with a junk/convenience eating pattern in boys (adjusted OR = 2·8; 95 % CI 1·2, 6·4). Conclusions: Gender differences were observed in subjective body concerns. Perceived overweight was the main predictor of slimming attempts by both genders. Different aspects of body dissatisfaction were related to different food behaviours in boys and girls. Health professionals should be aware of these gender differences when planning health promotion programmes targeting young adolescents.

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Overweight and mental health problems represent two major challenges related to child and adolescent health. More knowledge of a possible relationship between the two problems and the influence of peer problems on the mental health of overweight children is needed. It has previously been hypothesized that peer problems may be an underlying factor in the association between overweight and mental health problems. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the associations between overweight, peer problems, and indications of mental health problems in a sample of 12-13-year-old Norwegian schoolchildren. Children aged 12-13 years were recruited from the seventh grade of primary schools in Telemark County, Norway. Parents gave information about mental health and peer problems by completing the extended version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Height and weight were objectively measured. Complete data were obtained for 744 children. Fisher's exact probability test and multiple logistic regressions were used. Most children had normal good mental health. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that overweight children were more likely to have indications of psychiatric disorders (adjusted OR: 1.8, CI: 1.0-3.2) and peer problems (adjusted OR: 2.6, CI: 1.6-4.2) than normal-weight children, when adjusted for relevant background variables. When adjusted for peer problems, the association between overweight and indications of any psychiatric disorder was no longer significant. The results support the hypothesis that peer problems may be an important underlying factor for mental health problems in overweight children.