Case‐Control Study of Eating Behaviors of Young Adults with and without Diet‐Related Chronic Health Condition (DRCHCs)

Abstract

Young adults with DRCHCs (i.e.,type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome) must adhere to dietary restrictions to control their diseases. These restrictions may put them at risk for disturbed eating. This study aimed to determine if young adults (18–26 years) with and without DRCHCs differed with regard to disturbed eating behaviors (Binge Eating; Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors; Eating, Weight, and Shape Concerns; and Restraint scales from Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire; Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire; and Night Eating Questionnaire). Each DRCHC participant (cases=166) was matched with 4 healthy participants (controls=664) based on gender and BMI (±0.50 BMI units). Conditional logistic regression analyses indicated cases were twice as likely to have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider with an eating disorder (p=0.08, OR=1.99, CI90 [1.03–3.83]). Cases were significantly more likely to use excessive exercise to manage their weight (p=0.04, OR=1.41, CI95 [1.02–1.94]) and more likely to misuse medicine (e.g., laxatives) to control their weight (p=0.04, OR=1.14, CI95 [1.00–1.29]) than controls. Findings indicate that healthcare professionals should screen DRCHC patients for disturbed eating behaviors and eating disorders.Funding: Kappa Omicron Nu FellowshipSociety Topic Area: ASN‐5002 Nutrition interventions for risk factor modification in chronic disease