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Body image and C-reactive protein in adolescents

International Journal of Obesity volume 33, pages 597–600 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Background:

The association between inflammation and obesity is well documented; however, there is little evidence linking physiological markers of inflammation and psychosocial factors such as body image. This study examined the relation between body image and C-reactive protein (CRP).

Methods:

Data were available for 1503 adolescents aged 13 and 16 years in a province-wide survey of a representative sample of youth in Quebec, Canada. Participants completed questionnaires assessing body image indicators of social pressures to lose weight and personal body shape discrepancies, provided a fasting blood sample for CRP, and had height and weight measured.

Results:

In separate multivariable logistic regression models for girls and boys, body shape discrepancy was positively associated with CRP (boys: OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.4–4.8; girls: OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.2–4.3) independent of body mass index, puberty status and socio-demographic variables.

Conclusions:

Adverse biological markers of cardiometabolic risk and negative body image are associated in adolescence. These findings suggest that, in addition to the well-known psychological problems, negative body image perceptions may also threaten adolescent's physical health.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    C Sabiston & A Castonguay

  2. Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de Ste-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    T Barnett & M Lambert

  3. Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    T Barnett & J O'Loughlin

  4. Centre Hospitalier de L’Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    J O'Loughlin

  5. Department of Pediatrics, Ste-Justine and Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada

    M Lambert

Authors
  1. C Sabiston
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  2. A Castonguay
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  3. T Barnett
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  4. J O'Loughlin
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  5. M Lambert
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C Sabiston.

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Sabiston, C., Castonguay, A., Barnett, T. et al. Body image and C-reactive protein in adolescents. Int J Obes 33, 597–600 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2009.28

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