Lifestyle factors associated with underweight among Japanese adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundBecause underweight in adolescents poses several health problems, it is important to prevent it in adolescence. For the prevention of underweight, it is necessary to investigate risk factors, especially lifestyles, because these can be modified. However, a limited number of studies exist regarding lifestyle factors associated with underweight among adolescents. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between lifestyle factors and underweight among Japanese adolescents.MethodsStudy subjects comprised 2641 seventh-grade school children (age 12 or 13 years) from the town of Ina, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Measurements of height and weight were made for each subject, while information regarding lifestyles of each subject was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire. Underweight was determined by the age- and sex-specific body mass index cut-off points. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for underweight.ResultsAdolescents who ate slowly were more likely to be underweight than those who did not eat slowly; the OR (95% CI) was 2.78 (1.77–4.39) in boys and 2.69 (1.81–3.98) in girls. Girls who did not exercise were more likely than those who exercised to be underweight (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.07–2.51).ConclusionsThe present study showed that eating slowly and exercise were associated with underweight among Japanese adolescents. These results suggest that eating speed and exercise need to be considered in school health programs for healthy body weight.

The Relationship of Eating Rate and Degree of Chewing to Body Weight Status among Preschool Children in Japan: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

“…In a cross-sectional study of 2641 Japanese adolescents aged 12–13 years, adolescents who ate slowly were more likely to be underweight than were those who did not eat slowly. In keeping with the findings from the previous study [22], we also observed a negative association between the rate of eating and the prevalence of thinness. The children who ate slowly had a significantly higher prevalence of thinness in comparison with those in the reference group, while the children who ate fast had a significantly lower prevalence of thinness.…”

“…Although numerous epidemiological studies have examined the relationship between eating rate and obesity, to our knowledge, only one previous study has investigated the relationship between eating slowly and the prevalence of being underweight [22]. In a cross-sectional study of 2641 Japanese adolescents aged 12–13 years, adolescents who ate slowly were more likely to be underweight than were those who did not eat slowly.…”

“…However, the findings remain inconclusive, and no studies among young children have been conducted. Additionally, it should be noted that while almost all studies have exclusively examined the relationship between eating behaviors and the risk of obesity [9], little is known about the relationship to the risk of thinness [22]. Given that the prevalence of thinness has recently increased among Japanese adolescents [23,24], it is necessary to address the potential contributions of eating rate and chewing degree to not only the risk of being overweight, but also to that of thinness.…”

Longitudinal Analysis of the Determinants of Life Expectancy and Healthy Life Expectancy: A Causal Approach

“…Our results on the effect of BMI on LE and HLE are backed by a study performed by Ochiai et al [37] which explained that underweight status was associated with scoliosis and osteoporosis – diseases that are not potentially life-threatening but can severely affect standards of living (affecting HLE and not LE). Governments should recognize that good nutrition is a priority for national health and prioritize nutritional quality in food assistance programs.…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Underweight, Overweight, and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study of Sociodemographic, Dietary, and Lifestyle Factors Among Adolescent Girls in Jutiapa, Guatemala

“…Underweight adolescents experience a higher risk of infectious diseases, more reduced cognitive function, psychiatric disorders, and poor perceived health. 3,4 For girls of childbearing age, underweight is particularly dangerous and associated with an array of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including maternal mortality, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. 3 Obese children are at increased risk of becoming obese adults 5 and consequently at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other costly chronic comorbidities.…”