Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Scores Research Articles

A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess the Physical Activity, Eating Behaviour and Correlation of Overweight and Obesity among College Students of Various Colleges in Indore District

Background: Overweight and obesity are the fifth greatest risk of global deaths. Over 1.9 billion persons aged 18 and older were overweight in 2016. Over 650 million of these men and women were obese. Instead of changes in dietary intake or other causes, it has been suggested that the increase in body weight in industrialized nations is mostly the result of decreased levels of physical activity.Aim and Objectives: To assess the eating behaviour/pattern and type of physical activity/duration of physicalactivity among college students in Indore city, and to determine correlation of eating behaviour & physical activity with overweight /obesity.Materials and Methods: A cross–sectional study conducted between January to June 2023 among 200 randomly selected students of age 17 to 25 years of various colleges of Central India in Indore district who gave consent, using a pre-designed, semi-structured, pre-tested questionnaire. Data entered in Microsoft excel was analysed using SPSS software25.0 (trial version).Results: 46% had Body Mass Index (BMI) in normal range and 42.5% were overweight. 60% male participantshad their BMI in normal range and 30.4% were overweight whereas 58.8% female participants were overweight.Majority (75.3%) of female participants had low Metabolic Equivalent of Task(MET) score whereas only 48.7% of male participants had low MET score. Both the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) Scores and International Physical Activity Questionnaire(IPAQ) Scores were found to be statistically significant (p-value <0.05) among BMI categories.100% of obese participants, 91.8% of overweight participants and 32.6% of participants with BMI in normal range had low MET score, found to be statistically significant (p-value<0.001).
 Conclusion: TFEQ and MET scores were found to be statistically significant (p-value<0.001) among BMI categories suggesting that, both eating behaviour and physical activity were associated with overweight and obesity.

The Effect of Chronotype on Addictive Eating Behavior and BMI among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of chronotype on addictive eating behavior and BMI in university students. A questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, as well as the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) and the morningness-eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), were given to students at Üsküdar University. Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS 26.0. This study included a total of 850 students, 46.8% of whom were male and 53.2% were female. The mean BMI was 22.94 ± 3.30 kg/m2. As the BMI values of students increased, there was a decrease of 25.6% in the TFEQ scores, regardless of gender (s = −0.256; p < 0.001), and an increase of 10.6% in their chronotype scores, meaning that the students tended to be morning types (s = 0.106; p < 0.01). A significantly negative, very weak correlation was found between the students’ TFEQ and MEQ scores (s = −0.123; p < 0.001). The students’ BMI (p < 0.01) and TFEQ scores (p < 0.001) were affected by their MEQ scores in a statistically significant way. It was found that each 1-point increase in the MEQ score led to a 4.0% increase in the BMI score and a 15.8% decrease in the TFEQ score. It was observed that the morning-type students tended to be obese in terms of their BMI, and these students demonstrated fewer addictive eating behaviors.

Dietary Restraint Constructs Are Associated With Diet Quality and Nutrient Intake

ObjectivesTo examine and compare reported food and nutrient intake in men and women who differ in cognitive restraint (CR) and disinhibition (D) scores. We hypothesize that average intake of sodium, total sugar, saturated fat, and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores of diet quality will differ between low and high D groups. Methods330 adults from a cross-sectional study who completed 3 dietary recalls and the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) were included in this analysis. Participants were classified into 4 groups based on TFEQ scores for CR and D: high CR + high D (CRD, n = 46); high CR + low D (CR, n = 104); low CR + high D (D, n = 42); and low CR + low D (LL, n = 138). The Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24) tool was used to obtain dietary recalls on 2 weekdays and 1 weekend day. Nutrient intakes were averaged for the 3 recalls, and HEI scores were calculated using the HEI-2015 scoring standards. Differences in average calories, sodium, total sugar, saturated fat, and HEI scores between groups were analyzed using analysis of covariance with age, sex, and BMI as covariates. ResultsThere were differences in average sodium and saturated fat intake, with CR group reporting lower sodium intake (p = 0.041) and lower saturated fat (p = 0.007) intake compared to the LL group only. There were no differences in calorie or total sugar intake between groups. Interestingly, added sugar intake based on HEI-2015 scoring showed group differences, with CR reporting lower added sugar intake than LL group (p = 0.042). HEI subscore for refined grain intake was also higher in LL group compared to CR (p = 0.002) and CRD (p = 0.023). Total HEI score was lower in LL (59.5 ± 1.0) compared to CR (65.1 ± 1.15, p = 0.002) and CRD (65.6 ± 1.75, p = 0.017). ConclusionsHigh cognitive restraint was associated with a more “healthful” diet with lower sodium and saturated fat intakes compared to groups with low restraint. While there were no associations between total sugar intake and cognitive restraint, reduced consumption of added sugar and refined grains were reported by the cognitively restrained participants, regardless of disinhibition status. Contrary to our hypothesis, high cognitive restraint was the predominant behavior associated with diet quality, not disinhibition. Funding SourcesFunding was provided through the USDA.

Reversal of Functional Brain Activity Related to Gut Microbiome and Hormones After VSG Surgery in Patients With Obesity.

ContextVertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is becoming a prioritized surgical intervention for obese individuals; however, the brain circuits that mediate its effective control of food intake and predict surgical outcome remain largely unclear.ObjectiveWe investigated VSG-correlated alterations of the gut-brain axis.MethodsIn this observational cohort study, 80 patients with obesity were screened. A total of 36 patients together with 26 normal-weight subjects were enrolled and evaluated using the 21-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), MRI scanning, plasma intestinal hormone analysis, and fecal sample sequencing. Thirty-two patients underwent VSG treatment and 19 subjects completed an average of 4-month follow-up evaluation. Data-driven regional homogeneity (ReHo) coupled with seed-based connectivity analysis were used to quantify VSG-related brain activity. Longitudinal alterations of body weight, eating behavior, brain activity, gastrointestinal hormones, and gut microbiota were detected and subjected to repeated measures correlation analysis.ResultsVSG induced significant functional changes in the right putamen (PUT.R) and left supplementary motor area, both of which correlated with weight loss and TFEQ scores. Moreover, postprandial levels of active glucagon-like peptide-1 (aGLP-1) and Ghrelin were associated with ReHo of PUT.R; meanwhile, relative abundance of Clostridia increased by VSG was associated with improvements in aGLP-1 secretion, PUT.R activity, and weight loss. Importantly, VSG normalized excessive functional connectivities with PUT.R, among which baseline connectivity between PUT.R and right orbitofrontal cortex was related to postoperative weight loss.ConclusionVSG causes correlated alterations of gut-brain axis, including Clostridia, postprandial aGLP-1, PUT.R activity, and eating habits. Preoperative connectivity of PUT.R may represent a potential predictive marker of surgical outcome in patients with obesity.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy added to usual care improves eating behaviors in patients with bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder by decreasing the cognitive load of words related to body shape, weight, and food.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) as a complementary approach in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) or binge eating disorder (BED), and to assess how the reduction of the cognitive load of words related to eating disorders (ED) could constitute an intermediate factor explaining its global efficacy. Eighty-eight women and men participated in clinical assessments upon inscription, prior to and following 8-week group MBCT. Mindfulness skills were assessed using the five facet mindfulness questionnaire; eating behaviors were assessed using the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ); comorbid pathologies were assessed using the beck depression index and the state-trait anxiety inventory. The cognitive load of words associated with ED was assessed through a modified version of the Stroop color naming task. Mindfulness skills improved significantly (p<.05) after group MBCT. The improvement of TFEQ scores was accompanied by reduced levels of depressive mood and trait anxiety. The positive impact of MBCT on TFEQ score was directly related to an improvement of the performance in the Stroop task. MBCT represents an interesting complementary therapy for patients with either BN or BED, at least when cognitive and behavioral domains are concerned. Such efficacy seems to be mediated by the reduction of the cognitive load associated with ED stimuli, which offers a possible explanation of how MBCT could reduce binge-eating behaviors. Other studies are needed, in independent centers, to focus more directly on core symptoms and long-term outcome.

Eating behavior and weight gain during pregnancy

ObjectivesLittle is known about the relationship between eating behavior and weight gain during pregnancy. PurposeOur objective was to assess the relationship among self-reported cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger, and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) as defined by the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) 2009 guidelines. Based on previous research examining eating behaviors and weight gain in non-pregnant women, we hypothesized that excessive GWG would be related to higher cognitive restraint, higher disinhibition, and higher perception of hunger. Methods190 pregnant women from the Glowing study completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) at the enrollment visit, which included subscales assessing restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. Participants' height and weight from <10 weeks through 36 weeks gestation were measured, allowing classification within or in excess of the IOM guidelines adjusted for the week of the final measurement. ResultsThe odds that a participant would gain weight above IOM recommendations was 1.2 times higher (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05–1.29) for each one-unit increase in the disinhibition subscale in the unadjusted logistic regression. However, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and baseline BMI categories, participants' TFEQ scores were not associated with the likelihood of having GWG above IOM guidelines. Eating behaviors subscales were modestly correlated with baseline BMI categories (all rs < 0.50 with p-values ranging from <0.001 to 0.619). ConclusionsAlthough disinhibition scores had a significant relationship with excessive GWG, the significance of this relationship was not sustained after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and baseline BMI categories.

Psychological and weight history variables as predictors of short-term weight and body fat mass loss.

SummaryObjectiveIdentifying predictors of early weight loss may have value in predicting longer‐term success in weight loss programmes. This study examined if weight history variables (ie, weight cycling history [WCH], age of onset of obesity [AOO]), and preintervention Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Power of Food Scale (PFS) scores predicted weight loss (WL) and fat mass loss (FML) following a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention.MethodsThirty‐two participants (19‐60 y; body mass index [BMI] 30‐39.9 kg/m2) participated in a 3‐week calorie restriction intervention (1120 kcal/d) as part of a larger clinical trial with 28 completers included in the current analyses. Preintervention WCH, AOO, TFEQ, and PFS subscale scores were collected, and WL and FML were measured. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to predict WL and FML for relevant covariates in this study.ResultsWCH, AOO, preintervention TFEQ subscale scores, and PFS subscale scores did not predict WL (all Ps > .08) or FML (Ps > .06) except, PFS‐food tasted scores significantly predicted WL (r = −0.40, P = .03).ConclusionAlthough these variables were not robust predictors, results for at least the PFS suggest there may be value in further exploring this measure using larger sample sizes.

Responses on the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire Restraint and Disinhibition Scales Change After a Controlled Energy-Restricted Diet (P21-002-19)

ObjectivesThe Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) is a validated psychometric tool widely used in nutrition research. The TFEQ measures three constructs related to human eating behavior (cognitive restraint of eating, disinhibition, and perceived hunger) and is typically used to identify “fixed” traits associated with obesity. Although inconsistent, evidence suggests that these constructs may be modifiable with diet and weight loss. We sought to determine the mutability of each TFEQ construct in response to a controlled energy-restricted diet in overweight and obese women. MethodsHealthy overweight and obese women aged 20–44 (N = 19) were provided with all foods for daily consumption at a level of 20% reduction of usual energy intake for a period of 8 weeks. Study food was packaged as separate meals representing breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Participants were instructed to consume all foods together as separate meals and between-meal snacking was prohibited. Body weight was measured at baseline and then weekly during the intervention. The TFEQ was administered at baseline and at the end of the 8-week controlled feeding. Differences in scores for each factor of the TFEQ were analyzed using paired t-tests. Results are presented as means ± SD. ResultsOn average, participants lost 3.8 ± 1.7 kg. TFEQ restraint scores were greater at the end of week 8 (12.3 ± 4.5) compared to baseline (8.2 ± 4.4), t(18) = 4.00, P < 0.001. Conversely, TFEQ disinhibition scores were lower at week 8 (6.9 ± 3.4) compared to baseline (9.5 ± 2.6), t(18) = 3.42, P = 0.003. Though not significantly different, TFEQ hunger scores were greater at baseline (6.7 ± 3.3) compared to week 8 (5.2 ± 3.4) despite 8 weeks of weight loss. Changes in TFEQ scores did not correlate with change in body weight. ConclusionsThese results suggest that dietary restriction aimed at eliminating between-meal snacking increases cognitive restraint of eating and decreases disinhibition, independent of weight loss. Additionally, the conscious intention of adhering to eating only 3 meals a day may have improved the perception of hunger cues while reducing susceptibility to external food cues. These attitudinal and behavioral changes are important for adherence to a healthy eating pattern. Funding SourcesUnited States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service #3062-51000-051-00D and the North Dakota Beef Commission.

Ghrelin concentration as an indicator of eating-disorder risk in obese women

AimEating disorders (EDs), disordered eating (DE) and obesity are thought to have overlapping aetiological processes. DE in obesity can jeopardize weight-loss results, and acyl ghrelin (AG) is a hormone that stimulates food intake and reward processes. The main study objective was to determine whether higher-than-expected concentrations of AG in common obesity are associated with DE symptoms. MethodsThe study population included 84 women, aged 20–55 years, free of established EDs: 55 were severely obese (OB) and 29 were of normal weight (NW). OB participants were stratified into two groups according to their median concentration of fasting AG distribution. The OB women with a high fasting plasma ghrelin concentration (HGC) were compared with both OB women with a low fasting plasma ghrelin concentration (LGC) and NW women. Participants were assessed by the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Fasting glucose, insulin, leptin and ghrelin plasma concentrations were also quantified. ResultsBetween the two AG groups of OB women, there was no statistical difference in either anthropometric or metabolic parameters, HADS, TFEQ or fasting hunger scores. However, the HGC group scored significantly higher than the LGC group on the drive-for-thinness subscale of EDI-2 (9.30±0.99 vs. 6.46±0.83, respectively; P=0.033). ConclusionResults support the hypothesis of a potential relationship between fasting plasma AG concentrations and ED risk, regardless of mood and anxiety. AG may be considered a potential biomarker of vulnerability for developing EDs.

Changes in Eating Behaviors of Children with Obesity in Response to Carbohydrate-Modified and Portion-Controlled Diets.

This study's objective was to determine whether two distinct carbohydrate (CHO)-modified diets and a standard portion-controlled (PC) diet differentially impacted children's eating behaviors and whether eating behavior scores predicted lower BMI among children with obesity. Children (n = 102) aged 7-12 years with obesity were randomly assigned to a 12-month intervention of a low-carbohydrate (LC), reduced glycemic load (RGL), or standard PC diet. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) was completed at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months by parents to characterize their child's hunger (H), disinhibition (D), and cognitive restraint (CR). Baseline and follow-up TFEQ scores by diet were evaluated relative to BMI status over time. All diet groups showed increased CR and decreased H and D from baseline to 3 months, with differences from baseline remaining at 12 months for CR and H. Lower BMI status during study follow-up was associated with different TFEQ scores by diet group (LC and RGL: higher CR; PC: lower H), adjusting for sex, age, and race. Higher CR at follow-up was predicted by race and higher baseline CR; only lower H at baseline predicted lower H at follow-up. Eating behaviors improved significantly with all diets during the initial 3 months; higher CR and lower H were sustained at treatment's end. BMI outcomes were associated with different eating behaviors in CHO-modified diet groups compared with PC diets. Targeting diets of children with obesity with specific baseline characteristics may lead to improved outcomes.

The Weight-Related Eating Questionnaire offers a concise alternative to the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire for measuring eating behaviors related to weight loss

ObjectiveDuring a one-year weight loss trial, we compared the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), a valid 51-item measure of restraint, disinhibition, and hunger subscales, with the newer 16-item Weight-Related Eating Questionnaire (WREQ) measuring routine and compensatory restraint and external and emotional eating. MethodsBoth questionnaires were administered to women with overweight or obesity (n = 186, mean ± SD, age 50 ± 10.6 y, BMI 34 ± 4.2 kg/m2) at five time points. Completion rates were 100% at baseline and Month 1, 94% at Month 3, 83% at Month 6, and 76% at Month 12. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on baseline WREQ data and correlations were calculated between TFEQ and WREQ subscales. Multilevel models evaluated the relationship between each subscale and weight change over time. ResultsFactor analysis revealed a WREQ structure consistent with previous research, and corresponding subscales on the TFEQ and WREQ were correlated. Lower baseline TFEQ restraint predicted greater weight loss. Across five administrations, TFEQ and WREQ restraint scores were positively related to weight loss (p < 0.01) and TFEQ disinhibition and WREQ external and emotional eating scores were negatively related (p < 0.001). Thus, with one baseline administration, only TFEQ restraint was significantly related to weight change, but multiple administrations showed relationships between all TFEQ and WREQ subscales and weight change. ConclusionsThe WREQ offers a shorter alternative to the TFEQ when repeatedly assessing eating behaviors related to weight change.

Changes in self-reported eating patterns after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a pre-post analysis and comparison with conservatively treated patients with obesity

BackgroundPatients with severe obesity need to adapt to surgically induced changes in their eating behaviors to maintain treatment success. ObjectivesThis study examined the effects of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on weight loss and on 3 dimensions of eating behavior, namely, cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. Outcomes of the LSG group were compared with a group of conservatively treated (CT) patients, who underwent a 1-year multimodal weight-reduction group program that included dietary advice, physical exercise, psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, training in Jacobson’s progressive muscle relaxation, and social group support. SettingThe study setting was a multidisciplinary obesity center located in a university hospital. MethodsA sample of 102 patients with obesity were investigated using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire before and, on average, 19 (±5) months after weight loss intervention. Of the 102 patients, 62 (age 45.8±10.8 years, 71% females) underwent LSG, and 40 patients (age 50.6±11.3 years, 77.5% females) underwent the CT program. Patients were assigned to either the surgical or the nonsurgical intervention group following clinical guidelines and patient preference. ResultsIn the LSG group, total weight loss was 25.9±11.0%, excess weight loss was 52.8±24.1%, and body mass index decreased from 51.4±8.1 to 38.0±7.8 kg/m². In the CT group, total weight loss was 5.4±10.6%, excess weight loss was 13.9±27.1%, and body mass index decreased from 40.3±6.7 to 38.0±7.2 kg/m². Significant improvements in self-reported eating behaviors were observed in both groups, that is, an increased cognitive restraint of eating, a decreased disinhibition of eating control, and a reduced degree of perceived hunger. In contrast, whereas Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores before weight loss intervention did not differ between groups, LSG patients reported significantly greater reductions in disinhibition and hunger than CT patients did after weight loss intervention. In both groups, greater weight loss was associated with decreased hunger sensations. ConclusionIn the second follow-up year, LSG was associated with greater weight loss and greater improvements in self-reported eating behaviors compared with conservative treatment.

Reduced Inhibitory Control Mediates the Relationship Between Cortical Thickness in the Right Superior Frontal Gyrus and Body Mass Index.

Unhealthy eating behaviors often develop in the setting of inadequate inhibitory control, a function broadly ascribed to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Regulation of inhibitory control by the PFC and its anatomical components and their contribution to increasing body mass index (BMI) are poorly understood. To study the role of PFC in the regulation of inhibitory control and body weight, we examined measures of cortical thickness in PFC sub-regions, inhibitory control (color-word interference task (CWIT)), and BMI in 91 healthy volunteers. We tested the predictive effect of PFC sub-regional cortical thickness on BMI and mediation by inhibitory control measured with CWIT. Measures of depression (BDI-II), anxiety (STAI-T) and trauma-related symptoms (TSC-40) were collected; the disinhibition scale of the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ) was used to assess disinhibited eating. We then tested the relationship between BD-II, STAI-T, TSC-40, TFEQ, CWIT, and BMI with correlation analyses. Right superior frontal gyrus cortical thickness significantly predicted BMI (β=-0.91; t=-3.2; p=0.002). Mediation analysis showed a significant indirect effect of cortical thickness on BMI mediated by inhibitory control (95% CI=-6.1, -0.67). BMI was unrelated to BDI-II, STAI-T, TSC-40, or TFEQ scores. We found an inverse relationship between cortical thickness in the right-superior frontal gyrus and BMI, which was fully mediated by inhibitory control neurocognitive performance. Our results suggest possible targets for neuromodulation in obesity (ie superior frontal gyrus) and a quantifiable mediator of their effects (ie inhibitory control).

Associations Among Self-Compassion, Eating Behaviors, and Stress in College Freshmen

Purpose: Few studies have investigated the potential relationship between self-compassion and eating behaviors. Self-compassion has been shown to improve one’s ability to respond more effectively to various situations and stressors by embracing the constructs of self-kindness, common humanity and mindfulness. This study examined correlations between self-compassion, eating behaviors and stress in first-time college freshmen.Methods: First-time freshmen (N=1477), ages 18-22 years (63% female), self-reported measures of Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Associations among PSS, SCS and TFEQ scores were examined with Pearson correlations by gender. Differences by gender were explored with t-tests.Results: There were significant (p &lt; 0.01) correlations between disinhibition and negative SCS constructs (self-judgment, r = 0.29; isolation, r = 0.23; over-identification, r = 0.28) and restraint and self-judgment in females (r = 0.26). Females scored significantly higher than males on PSS and negative SCS subscales (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Interventions increasing self-compassion and reducing stress may optimally support psychological and behavioral wellbeing as students transition into college. Future research needs to understand how self-compassion interventions may attenuate the inimical cycle of dietary restraint and disinhibition in university students.

Characterization of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores of a young French cohort

The aims of our study were to characterize the psychological dimensions of eating behaviour of young French adults as measured by the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) and to analyze the association between the 3 TFEQ mean scores (main scales and subscales) and gender, Body Mass Index (BMI) and socio-demographic data in this population. An online TFEQ questionnaire was used with a nationally representative sample of 1000 young French people (aged 20–39yrs). The average scores were 6.3±0.1 (sem) for dietary restraint, 6.0±0.1 for disinhibition and 5.0±0.1 for hunger. Compared to the limit commonly used in human food studies, young French adults were characterized by low restraint and low disinhibition levels. There was a significant gender effect on both restraint and disinhibition scores, with women showing significantly higher scores than men. Concerning the link between TFEQ scores and BMI, there was a significant effect of the BMI category on cognitive restraint, disinhibition and hunger. Disinhibition was the factor most strongly associated to BMI, independently of gender. Our results highlight both the importance of taking into account not only disinhibition but also cognitive restraint and the usefulness of subscales when studying eating behaviour and its link to body weight. We characterize the eating behaviour of a French cohort with criteria often chosen for healthy volunteers in human food studies. Consequently, we suggest new TFEQ limits (6 for cognitive restraint and disinhibition, 5 for hunger) lower than those traditionally used for this category of the population in clinical food studies.

Individual differences in satiety response to carbohydrate and fat. Predictions from the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ)

A high carbohydrate/low fat diet is recommended for reduced risk of overeating, but it is not clear whether satiety responses to carbohydrate and fat differ between individuals. The objective of this study was to determine how women with either a low or a high tendency to overeat (TFEQ-disinhibition) and with either a low or a high tendency to restrict intake (TFEQ-restraint) respond to fat and carbohydrate consumed at breakfast. Sixty-four healthy-weight women preselected for high and low TFEQ scores of restraint and disinhibition were enrolled for the study. They came to the laboratory on two separate days to consume breakfast; on one day the principle energy source was fat and on the other day carbohydrate. Satiety responses were determined by ratings of hunger and fullness for 2 h after breakfast, and intake at a mid-morning snack test. Those scoring high on the TFEQ-disinhibition scale consumed more energy at the snack test than those with low TFEQ-disinhibition, but this was only following the high carbohydrate breakfast. The TFEQ-restraint scale did not independently predict food intake or interact with the TFEQ-disinhibition related overeating. In normal-weight females the tendency to overeat may be related to insensitivity to the satiating effects of carbohydrate.

Alexithymia and eating behaviour in severely obese patients

Alexithymia is the inability to express feelings with words and comprises a psychological construct frequently found in obese individuals. In eating disordered patients who show a tendency to lose control over food intake, personality traits with alexithymic characteristics have been demonstrated. The present cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between alexithymia and eating behaviour in severely obese patients. This study analysed 150 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and 132 subjects at more than 1 year after biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), when body weight has steadily normalised and any preoccupation with weight, food and diet has been completely abandoned. Obese and operated subjects completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS), and eating behaviour was assessed via a semi-structured interview exploring binge eating disorder (BED), night eating and emotional eating, as well as by utilisation of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). Although alexithymic patients showed deranged eating behaviour, as evaluated by the TFEQ scores, the frequency of BED, night eating and emotional eating was similar in alexithymic (TAS > 60) and non-alexithymic patients. However, the prevalence of alexithymia was similar in obese and BPD subjects, whereas, in the operated subjects, TFEQ scores were lower (P < 0.005) than those in obese patients. These data suggest that, in severely obese patients, alexithymia does not influence eating behaviour; in severely obese patients, the tendency to lose control over food intake apparently represents a psychological construct that is substantially independent from alexithymia.

The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and BMI in adolescents: results from the Québec Family Study

Eating behaviour traits are associated with body weight variations in adults. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) measures cognitive restraint, disinhibition and hunger, as well as their corresponding subscales, e.g. rigid and flexible control. The TFEQ has not been widely used in adolescents to investigate eating behaviour traits associated with body weight. The aim of the present study was to assess whether eating behaviour traits were associated with BMI in male and female adolescents. Sixty adolescents (thirty females and thirty males; mean age 15.0 (sd 2.4) years) from the Québec Family Study completed the TFEQ and 3 d dietary records. There were no sex differences in the TFEQ scores. Rigid control, disinhibition and emotional susceptibility (to overeat) were positively related to BMI z-scores for the entire sample (r 0.3, P < 0.05). There was a positive relationship between BMI z-scores and rigid control (r 0.39, P < 0.05) in females, while BMI z-scores were positively related to emotional susceptibility (r 0.42, P < 0.02) and disinhibition (r 0.41, P < 0.03) in males. Adolescents characterised by both high disinhibition and high rigid control had significantly higher BMI z-scores than those by both low disinhibition and low rigid control. There were no significant differences in BMI z-scores between the flexible control categories. Dietary macronutrient content was not consistently related to eating behaviour traits. These results show that the eating behaviour traits of disinhibition and rigid control are independently related to BMI z-scores in this group of adolescents.

Body mass index and age affect Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores in male subjects

This cross-sectional analysis evaluated the effect of age and body mass index (BMI) on Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire scores in males. Subjects (n = 60) were recruited according to BMI status. Each completed the 51-item Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. The group was split at the median age to produce a "younger" and "older" group for statistical analysis. A 2-way between-groups analysis of variance revealed a significant main effect of BMI on disinhibition (P = .003) and hunger (P = .041) with higher levels found in overweight males compared to healthy-weight counterparts. A significant main effect of age on hunger (P = .046) demonstrated older males were less susceptible to hunger than younger males. These insights provide a better understanding of eating behavior across the male life cycle and may assist health professionals to better guide men in weight management in the light of rising overweight/obesity.

Ghrelin and Eating Disturbances in Psychiatric Disorders

Introduction: Appetite and eating behavior are frequently altered in psychiatric patients. The newly discovered gut-derived neuropeptide ghrelin simulates hunger and weight gain. Therefore, it might be involved in appetite regulation during psychiatric disorders. Methods: In 83 depressed, 42 schizophrenic patients and 46 healthy controls plasma ghrelin levels were measured, and the psychometric scores on the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) were assessed. Results: Neither ghrelin levels nor TFEQ scores differed between both patient groups and healthy subjects. However, TFEQ subscale 2 (disinhibition) was predicted by BMI-corrected ghrelin levels, while age, sex, smoking, and medication did not show any influence. Discussion: Ghrelin correlates with factors of eating behavior, specifically with subscale 2 on the TFEQ. Ghrelin might be involved in appetite-regulating pathways during psychiatric disorders. However, its influence is not likely to be displayed as a difference between diagnostic groups. Rather, ghrelin is associated with eating behavior in psychiatric patients meaning susceptibility to eating problems.