Role of adipokines FGF21, leptin and adiponectin in self-concept of youths with obesity

•The link between obesity and self-concept was studied in Chinese youths.•Three adipokines with established actions in the brain were explored as the link.•Obese youths had significant alterations in many domains of self-concept.•Domains of self-concept were related with levels of leptin, FGF21 and adiponectin.•Dysregulation of adipokines may in part explain the low self-concept in obesity. The mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of psychosocial disorders remain unclear. We aimed at exploring the association between obesity and self-concept in Chinese youths and the role of adipokines. Data for 559 participants (aged 14–28 years) were analyzed. Self-concept was assessed by utilizing the Self-Description Questionnaire II (SDQ-II). Subjects with obesity had higher leptin, FGF21 and lower adiponectin levels (all p