The association between weight control and suicide among South Korean adolescents : the moderating role of sexual behavior

Abstract

Objectives: Despite extensive research on the relationship between weight control and suicidality, the nature of this relationship among adolescents with experiences of same-sex behaviors remains underexplored. The study delved into the correlation between weight control behaviors and suicide risk among South Korean adolescents, with sexual behavior proposed as a moderating factor. Methods: The present study used data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS) conducted from 2011 to 2016, with 425,623 adolescent participants included in the study. Employing the modified Poisson regression model, we examined the impact of weight control among South Korean adolescents on suicidality. Additionally, the moderating role of sexual behavior was examined by comparing adolescents with and without same-sex behavior experiences. Results: Adolescents with same-sex behavior experiences demonstrated higher rates of suicidal ideation (36.55%), planning (24.60%), and behavior (19.62%), as well as more frequent weight control behaviors (56.04%) compared to their counterparts. Weight control was identified as a significant predictor of suicide risk among adolescents, who showed a higher propensity for suicidal ideation, planning, and actions when engaging in weight control. Additionally, the study indicated that adolescents with same-sex behavior experiences showed an increased risk of formulating suicide ideation and plans due to weight control efforts compared to those without such experiences. Discussion: Weight control is a crucial predictor of suicide risk in adolescents, especially those with experiences of same-sex behavior. Hence, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers should collaborate to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges diverse sexual identities and promotes healthy body image in young people.