The Impact of BMI on Self-Concept in Adolescents with Pubertal Gynecomastia

Introduction: Physiological changes in the body may result in anxiety and impaired self-concept during adolescence.Although temporary, pubertal gynecomastia (PG) may cause negative emotions that interrupt the development of self-concept by causing a physical appearance that does not fit the male gender.This paper aimed to identify whether the self-concept level of adolescents with PG is moderated by their anthropometrics.Materials and Methods: This case-control study included adolescent males, with pubertal stage assessed using the Marshall and Tanner criteria.PG was diagnosed by palpation of a subareolar glandular disc.Anthropometric measurements were obtained by trained pediatric endocrinology clinic staff, and self-concept was evaluated using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS).To specify relationships correlation and regression analysis were examined.Results: The study included 38 adolescents with PG and 61 age-and pubertal stagematched controls.BMI was significantly higher in the PG group, and self-concept scores declined with increasing BMI (p=0.044;r=-0.437,p=0.006).PG subjects at Tanner Stage 3 were shorter than controls (p=0.03)and had lower happiness and behavior subscale scores (p=0.01;p=0.04).PG duration was negatively correlated with total self-concept (r=-0.400,p=0.013) and the subscales of happiness (r=-0.456),behavior (r=-0.334),and physical appearance (r=-0.354).Conclusion: Adolescents with PG demonstrated lower self-concept, particularly in relation to higher BMI, shorter stature at mid-puberty, and prolonged symptom duration.These findings highlight the need for early psychosocial support in affected individuals. ÖzGiriş: Vücuttaki fizyolojik değişiklikler ergenlik döneminde kaygıyla ve bozulmuş öz-kavramla sonuçlanabilir.Geçici olmasına rağmen, pubertal jinekomasti (PG), erkek cinsiyetine uymayan bir fiziksel görünüme neden olarak öz-kavram gelişimini kesintiye uğratan olumsuz duygulara neden olabilir.Bu makale, PG'li ergenlerin öz-kavram düzeylerinin antropometrik özellikleri tarafından düzenlenip düzenlenmediğini belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu vaka-