BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) WAS ASSOCIATED WITH MENTAL HEALTH, BUT IT HAD NO ASSOCIATION WITH SELF-ESTEEM IN IRANIAN GIRLS: A CASE-CONTROL STUDY

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are known as one of the major problems in girls' physical and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI) with mental health and self-esteem in Iranian girls. Methods: In this case-control study, 160 girls (47 obese or overweight as the case group and 113 normal weight as the control group) aged 13 to 18 years old were recruited. Adolescents' height and weight were measured according to international standards, and BMI was calculated. Mental health status and self-esteem were measured using the validated general health questionnaire (GHQ) and the Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire, respectively. Comparison of the variables was performed using chi-square test. Results: The mean BMI in the case group was 26.73 Kg/m2 and in the control group was 20.13 Kg/m2. 78% of cases and 21% of controls had mental disorders which significantly differed from each other (P < 0.001). Moreover, 31% of cases and 24% of controls had sufficient self-esteem. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Mental health disorders in obese girls were much higher than normal weight girls. However, there was not a significant association between obesity and self-esteem. It seems that obesity is not associated with the reduced self-esteem of Iranian girls. Further longitudinal studies with larger participants were required to achieve the psychological effects of obesity in Iranian girls.