Factors Related to Eating Behavior Assessed Using the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and Change of Eating Behavior after Receiving Weight Reduction Treatment

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the factors related to eating behavior subscales and change of eating behavior subscales among obese patients received weight reduction management. Methods: Eating behavior subscales (restrained eating, emotional eating, and external eating) were assessed using the Korean version of Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire in 76 obese female patients at obesity clinic and 83 female visitors at health promotion center. Fifty nine patients received weight reduction management and completed followup survey after 2-3 months. Demographics, physical activity, health behaviors, diet experience, BMI, and weight change were assessed. Results: The score of restrained eating was significantly higher in obese patients compared to controls, while scores of other subscales were not different between the two groups. Diet experience, score of emotional eating, and BMI explained 15% of variance of restrained eating score after adjustment for covariates. Likewise, increase of restrained and external eating scores and younger age explained 27% of variance of emotional eating score. External eating score was associated with increase in emotional eating score, higher education, regular exercise, and frequent overeating (R 2 = 30%). Among obese patients, the follow-up score of restrained eating was significantly higher compared to that score at baseline, while the scores of emotional and external eating were not significantly changed. After adjustment for covariates, only irregular eating habit was associated with the change of restrained eating score. Conclusion: Restrained eating score was associated with BMI regardless of subjects group, while, among obese patients, the change of restrained eating score was associated with frequent irregular eating habit.