J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2014 Mar;53(2):114-121.

The Association between Weight-Related Attitudes and Suicidal Ideation in Adults

• Jeon H
• Lee K
• Kim HJ
• Lee YM
• Kim JW

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between weight-related attitudes and suicidal ideation among adults.
METHODS
Data were obtained from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional national health survey. We used a nationally representative sample of 12287 Koreans older than 19 years of age (5266 men and 7021 women). We used the logistic regression model to examine the relationship between weight-related attitudes and suicidal ideation, controlling for demographics, depressive mood, perceived stress, and substance use.
RESULTS
A significantly higher number of women than men reported suicidal ideation (women : 18.3%, men : 10.3%). In men, weight control behavior aimed at weight loss (vs. no control) showed an association with suicidal ideation. For women, weight control behavior aimed at maintaining a certain weight (vs. no control) and obesity (vs. being underweight), as determined by Body Mass Index category, showed an association with suicidal ideation. For both sexes, distortions regarding perceived weight did not significantly affect suicidal ideationn.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that weight-related attitudes, such as weight control behaviors, are useful indicators for identification of individuals at risk of committing suicide.

Keyword

Weight attitudes; Weight control behavior; Suicidal ideation

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Body Mass Index
Demography
Female
Health Surveys
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Nutrition Surveys
Obesity
Suicidal Ideation*
Suicide
Weight Loss

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