Eating Competence and Gender Identity Are Associated With Weight- and Body-Related Guilt and Shame, Eating Concerns, and Weight Satisfaction in Undergraduates

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine if Eating Competence in undergraduates is associated with weight- and body-related guilt and shame, weight satisfaction, and eating concerns, and whether these associations differ by gender identity.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a 127-item survey sent out to undergraduates at a public university in the U.S. in 2020. Participants were categorized as either “Eating Competent” (EC) or “Not Eating Competent” (non-EC) according to their responses on the validated Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Two-factor ANOVAs tested whether Eating Competence and gender identity were associated with weight- and body-related shame; weight- and body-related guilt; weight satisfaction; and eating concerns. Demographic characteristics were evaluated in relation to gender identity. Body trying categories were compared with gender, body mass index (BMI), and body weight perception categories.ResultsOf the 1996 student participants, 40% were EC. Gender identity was 72% female, 23% male, and 4% non-binary identities. Males’ mean ecSI 2.0™ score was significantly higher than that of females (32.8 vs. 27.6; P < 0.001) and those of non-binary gender identities (32.8 vs. 24.7; P < 0.001). Eating Competence was significantly associated with lower weight- and body-related guilt and shame, greater weight satisfaction, fewer eating concerns, and with not trying to lose body weight (P < 0.001 in all cases). Participants with a non-binary gender identity had mean scores between males and females in the majority of tested variables. The only exceptions were ecSI 2.0™ scores, for which those of a non-binary gender had the lowest scores of the three groups (mean 24.7), and in weight- and body-related shame scores, where those of a non-binary gender had mean scores identical to females scores (mean 11.9).ConclusionsIn every outcome variable tested, those who were EC had more favorable mean scores than those who were non-EC. Male students had more favorable mean scores than female students (in all cases) or those with a non-binary identity (in some cases). These associations demonstrate the emotional components of eating behaviors and body-related perceptions, and may be helpful in future interventions aimed at improving these traits in undergraduates.Funding SourcesNone to report.