Abstract
The scope of this study was to evaluate the tendency of extreme attitudes in relation to body weight among adolescents in Brazilian capitals and to verify its relationship with measures of family support and perception of body image. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data from the National School Health Survey (PeNSE) for the years 2009, 2012 and 2015. There was an increase in the prevalence of extreme attitudes during the period evaluated. In the final model, higher age, perception of body image as being fat and male gender were associated with a higher incidence of extreme attitudes. However, higher level of schooling of the mother and the variables associated with family support (living with parents, informed parents, eating with parents) were associated with a lower incidence of extreme attitudes. The results of this study revealed that the family and social context is a fundamental issue to be investigated with families, adolescents and schools, as a preventive measure for possible health problems. The need to restructure public policies on health and education for adolescents, which should have the encouragement of family support as a guideline, is suggested.
Key words
Adolescent; Body image; Body weight; School health services; Vomiting
