Children's descriptions of the foods consumed during loss of control eating episodes

Abstract

Binge and loss of control (LOC) eating appear to be common among youth; however, little is known about the foods consumed during such eating episodes. Two-hundred forty-nine children, age 6–18 years, were interviewed to determine if they engaged in eating episodes with LOC over the past month. In the absence of reported LOC eating, overeating episodes or normal meals without LOC were recorded. Participants were asked to describe the type and quantity of foods eaten during an episode. Eighty-one children reported LOC eating episodes and 168 reported no such episodes (No LOC). Although total energy intake did not differ between LOC and No LOC episodes, LOC episodes consisted of a lower percentage of calories from protein (14.2 ± 0.7 v. 18.0 ± 0.7%, p < .001) and a higher percentage from carbohydrates (49.8 ± 1.6 v. 45.2 ± 1.1%, p < .05). Specifically, LOC episodes consisted of a higher percentage of calories from snacks (13.2 ± 2.7 v. 7.4 ± 1.2%, p < .05) and desserts (18.1 ± 3.1 v. 12.8 ± 1.5%, p < .05). The quality of LOC episodes may help explain why LOC eating promotes excessive weight gain among children who report such episodes.