Sammanfattning
Background: Self-esteem, perceived health, weight satisfaction, eating habits, physical activity,
friendships, intimate relationships, smoking and substance use habits can be regarded as important
correlates of psychological well-being in adolescence. Aim: The present study aimed to determine
whether problems in the above-mentioned elements of psychological well-being were more prevalent
among mid-adolescent pupils with excess weight than among their healthy-weight peers. Methods:
The study participants comprised 178 adolescents with excess weight and 1087 healthy-weight peers
with a mean age of 14.7 years attending the 8th grade at secondary school. The Rosenberg Self-
Esteem Scale, the Eating Disorder Inventory and a questionnaire assessing health- and food-related
attitudes and habits were used. Results: The adolescents with excess weight more often reported
weight dissatisfaction, abnormal eating habits and signs of eating disorder pathology than those with
healthy weight. No significant difference in self-esteem was observed between weight groups. The
proportion of adolescents who were non-smokers, did not use alcohol and had one or more close
friends did not differ between those with excess and healthy weight. However, a lower proportion of
excess-weight adolescents had dating experience. Inadequate physical activity was highly prevalent
among adolescents in both weight groups. Conclusions: Despite the high prevalence of eating
pathology and weight dissatisfaction, most mid-adolescent pupils with excess weight expressed
good psychological health. Targeted psychological interventions should be offered to some
adolescents with overweight problems.