Calidad de vida, según percepción y comportamientos de control del peso por género, en estudiantes universitarios adolescentes en México Quality of life according to self-perceived weight, weight control behaviors, and gender among adolescent university students in Mexico

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la calidad de vida (CV), según auto percepción del peso corporal y comportamientos de control de peso, por género, en 2.401 estudiantes de 17 a 19 años de primer ingreso en un centro universitario en México del 2007 al 2009; 61,9% mujeres, 80,6% no trabajaban y 99,2% solteros. Se auto administró en línea un cuestionario genérico de CV (YQOL-R) módulo perceptual, y siete ítems acerca del peso adaptados del YRBS 2007. Se observó que un 52% de mujeres y un 31,7% de hombres trataba de bajar de peso. CV más alta para peso cercano al correcto, quienes trataban de mantenerse en su peso y los que hacían ejercicio; CV más baja para quienes reportaron mucho sobrepeso, mujeres que trataban de bajar de peso, comían menos, dejaban de comer, hacían dieta sin supervisión, vomitaban o tomaban laxantes. En mujeres la CV fue diferente si trataban de mantenerse, subir o bajar de peso; en hombres sólo al tratar de subir. Esta información puede ser de utilidad para procesos educativos, programas de prevención y para evaluar las intervenciones.The aim of this study was to analyze quality of life (QoL) according to self-perceived weight and weight control behaviors, by gender. The sample consisted of 2,401 adolescent students (17-19 years of age) enrolled from 2007 to 2009 at a Mexican university; 61.9% were women, 19.4% worked, and 99.2% were single. An online self-administered questionnaire was used that included the perceptual module of the YQOL-R and seven items on body weight, adapted from YRBS 2007. RESULTS: 52% of women and 31.7% of men were attempting to lose weight. The highest QoL scores were in students who felt they were near the right weight, those who were attempting to maintain the same weight, and those who exercised. Lowest QoL was reported by those who considered themselves overweight, were trying to lose weight, were eating less, were skipping meals, or were using unsupervised dieting, vomiting, or laxatives. In women, QoL differed between those maintaining the same weight, gaining weight, and losing weight, while QoL in men only differed for those attempting to gain weight. The findings could be useful in educational processes, preventive programs, and assessment of interventions.