Weight Regulation Practices of Young Adults: Predictors of Restraint Eaters

Abstract

Young adults frequently use restraint eating (i.e., going for long periods [≥8 hours] without eating to influence their shape or weight) to control their weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of restraint eating in young adults, compare eating behaviors of restraint and non‐restraint eaters (NREs), and predict restraint eaters (REs). A diverse (56% white, 63% female) sample of young adults (n=2449) completed an online survey that included eating behavior scales (Restraint, Eating, Shape, and Weight Concerns, and Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors from the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire, Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire, and Night Eating from the Night Eating Questionnaire) and demographics. A quarter of women and 20% of men were classified as REs. Independent t‐tests and chisquare analyses revealed REs had significantly (p<0.001) higher BMIs and were more likely to diet than NREs. REs also had significantly higher scores on all eating behavior scales than NREs even after controlling for potential confounding factors (BMI, race). Stepwise regression revealed eating, shape, and weight concerns, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, night eating, female gender, and BMI were strong predictors of being a RE (R2=0.27). This study can help healthcare professionals be more aware of weight control practices of young adults and create appropriate interventions. Funding:Kappa Omicron NuSOCIETY TOPIC CATEGORY: 5215‐ASN: Behavioral Science and Eating Behavior Change