# Investigating the Prospective Relationship Between Weight Loss Behaviours and Sleep in Adolescents From the Growing Up in Ireland Cohort

## TL;DR

This study found that weight loss behaviors in adolescents at age 13 are linked to shorter sleep duration and falling asleep at inappropriate times by age 17/18, with depressive symptoms playing a mediating role.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the longitudinal relationship between weight loss behaviors and sleep in adolescents, highlighting the mediating role of depressive symptoms.

## Key findings

- Weight loss behaviors at age 13 predicted falling asleep at inappropriate times and shorter sleep duration at age 17/18.
- Depressive symptoms partially or fully mediated the relationship between weight loss behaviors and sleep outcomes.
- Excessive online behaviors did not moderate the relationship between sleep and weight loss behaviors.

## Abstract

Despite common bio‐behavioural mechanisms underlying maladaptive sleep and eating, little is known about their temporal associations. The present study aimed to assess the longitudinal relationship between weight loss behaviours (age 13) and sleep (age 17/18) in adolescents (N = 5705) from the ’98 Growing Up in Ireland cohort.

Using structural equation modelling, regression models were specified and excessive online behaviours (age 17/18) were tested as a moderator, while depressive symptoms (age 13) were tested as a mediator for the prospective association.

Weight loss behaviours significantly predicted falling asleep at inappropriate times (β = 0.16, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001) and shorter sleep duration (β = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), but no other sleep behaviours. Associations with falling asleep at inappropriate times were partially mediated through depressive symptoms. Associations with shorter sleep duration were fully mediated by depressive symptoms. Excessive online behaviours did not moderate the relationship between sleep and weight loss behaviours.

In line with clinical research, this study provides preliminary evidence for the longitudinal relationship between weight loss behaviours and shorter sleep. Further research into the causal and potentially bi‐directional relationship between sleep and disordered eating is needed to aid in preventing the exacerbation of both symptom presentations and to inform general health promotion strategies.

Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental stage for the onset of sleep and eating difficulties.In the current Irish cohort, engaging in weight loss behaviours at age 13 was associated with shorter sleep duration at age 17/18.Depressive symptoms were shown to be a putative mediator for this relationship.

Adolescence is a vulnerable developmental stage for the onset of sleep and eating difficulties.

In the current Irish cohort, engaging in weight loss behaviours at age 13 was associated with shorter sleep duration at age 17/18.

Depressive symptoms were shown to be a putative mediator for this relationship.