Dietary Restraint, Physical Activity, Body Esteem and Phalanx Bone Density in Young Women

Abstract

1556 Studies have reported that women with high dietary restraint may experience subclinical menstrual cycle and ovulatory disturbances (Barr et al. 1994 a,b). In turn, menstrual disturbances have been associated with decreased bone mineral density and bone mineral content (Otis et al., 1997). Additionally, cognitive dietary restraint may be associated with behaviors, personality characteristics, and lifestyle practices that may negatively impact bone (McLean, Barr & Prior, 2000). PURPOSE: The primary aim of this observational study was to examine associations among dietary restraint, body esteem, physical activity and phalanx bone density in young women. A secondary aim was to examine differences in body esteem, physical activity, phalanx bone density, and physical characteristics among high, medium and low restraint women. METHODS: 48 women (27.38 ± 8.89 yrs) completed a single testing session during which physical measures (e.g., ht, wt), cognitive measures (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire; Body Esteem Scale – BES), physical activity (Godin-Shepard), diet history, (DHQ) and phalanx bone density (Schick AccuDEXA) were assessed. RESULTS: Pearson product moment correlations revealed significant negative correlations between dietary restraint and BES-Appearance and BES-Weight subscales. There was a significant positive correlation between dietary restraint and physical activity. ANOVA conducted to examine differences between low (n = 9), medium (n = 25), and high restraint (n = 11) women revealed differences in BES-Appearance, BES-Weight subscales and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Women with higher levels of dietary restraint had lower levels of body esteem than low and medium restraint women and exercised more frequently than medium restraint women. There were no significant differences in phalanx bone density or physical measures. Dietary restraint has a negative impact on body esteem and is associated with increased physical activity in this group of women.