Feeling Fat Yet Unconcerned: Self-reported Overweight and the Restraint Scale

Abstract

Factor analysis was used to reduce the 10-item restraint questionnaire ( Herman, 1978 ) to two underlying common factors, reflecting fluctuations in body weight and actual concern with dieting. Weight History factor scores were higher for those subjects who identified themselves as overweight, and only Dietary Concern scores remained constant. The use of total scores on the restraint questionnaire may not always provide a pure measure of dietary restraint, and alternative approaches are suggested.