Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors Research Articles

Patterns of weight control behavior persisting beyond young adulthood: Results from a 15-year longitudinal study.

Dieting and unhealthy weight control behaviors have been associated with negative outcomes. Most research has examined the prevalence of these behaviors in adolescence and young adulthood. Less is known about whether they persist further into adulthood. We examined patterns of weight control behaviors beyond young adulthood using data from 1,455 males and females participating in Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a 15-year population-based, longitudinal study. Participants completed surveys assessing dieting, high-frequency dieting (i.e., 5+ times/year), unhealthy weight control (e.g., fasting), and extreme weight control (e.g., vomiting) at each 5-year assessment (Waves 1-4). Longitudinal logistic regression models tested trends in weight control behaviors across the waves. Likelihood of persisting or discontinuing each behavior from Wave 3 to Wave 4 was examined through cross tabulations. Between Waves 3 and 4 in adulthood, dieting increased for both genders (Women: p < .001; Men: p = .004) and high-frequency dieting (p < .001) and unhealthy weight control behaviors (p = .011) increased for men. For both genders, dieting and unhealthy weight control patterns initiated in prior to young adulthood were more likely to persist than cease in adulthood (ps < .001). Weight control behaviors continue to be prevalent in adulthood, and to especially increase among men. Research is needed to understand the consequences of weight control behaviors in different life stages; however, the results suggest that interventions to decrease unhealthy weight management practices may be needed well into adulthood.

Mother-father-adolescent triadic concordance and discordance on home environment factors and adolescent disordered eating behaviors.

This study utilizes triadic data to examine the association between mother-father-adolescent concordance (agreement) and discordance (disagreement) on home environment factors (i.e., parental encouragement of dieting, family functioning) and adolescent unhealthy weight control behaviors and binge eating. A subsample of adolescent-mother-father triads (n = 833; adolescents ages 10-22) from two coordinated population-based studies (EAT 2010 and F-EAT) were used. Poisson regression analysis was used to estimate the relative risks of each eating disordered behavior. Triads were more concordant (range 9-42%) than discordant (range 4-24%). Triadic agreement that parents did not encourage dieting was associated with a lower risk of adolescent eating disordered behaviors in some triadic combinations. Additionally, triadic concordance on high family functioning was also associated with a lower risk of adolescent eating disordered behaviors among some triadic combinations. Results suggest that triadic concordance on healthy home environment factors is associated with fewer adolescent disordered eating behaviors in some triads. Family based interventions may want to consider focusing on strategies to help move mother-father-adolescent triads closer on seeing the home environment more similarly. Future research is needed on triadic concordance/discordance and disordered eating behaviors to confirm study results and to inform the development of family based interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record

Disordered eating behaviors and cardiometabolic risk among young adults with overweight or obesity.

To determine if unhealthy weight control behaviors or binge-eating behaviors among young adults with overweight/obesity are associated with body mass index (BMI) change and cardiometabolic risk at 7-year follow-up. We used longitudinal cohort data from 5,552 young adults with overweight/obesity at baseline (18-24 years) with 7-year follow-up (24-32 years) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Baseline predictors were: (a) unhealthy weight control behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, skipping meals, or laxative/diuretic use to lose weight; or (b) binge-eating behaviors. Participants reporting either unhealthy weight control behaviors or binge-eating behaviors were considered to engage in any disordered eating behavior (DEB). Outcomes at 7-year follow-up were BMI change, incident diabetes, incident hypertension, and incident hyperlipidemia. Young adults with overweight/obesity reporting unhealthy weight control behaviors at baseline had higher BMI and weight at 7-year follow-up than those without unhealthy weight control behaviors. In regression models adjusting for baseline BMI, race/ethnicity, age, and education, unhealthy weight control behaviors were associated with greater change in BMI in both sexes and binge-eating behavior at baseline was associated with greater odds of incident hyperlipidemia (odds ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.29-2.79) at 7-year follow-up in males. The higher risk for increased BMI (in both males and females) and incident hyperlipidemia (in males) over time in young adults with overweight/obesity who engage in DEBs underscores the need to screen for DEBs in this population and provide referrals and tailored interventions as appropriate.

Eating, Activity, and Weight-related Problems From Adolescence to Adulthood

Determining the population-based scope and stability of eating, activity, and weight-related problems is critical to inform interventions. This study examines: (1) the prevalence of eating, activity, and weight-related problems likely to influence health; and (2) the trajectories for having at least one of these problems during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Project EAT I-IV (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) collected longitudinal survey data from 858 females and 597 males at four waves, approximately every 5 years, from 1998 to 2016, during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Analyses were conducted in 2017-2018. Measures included high fast-food intake (≥3 times/week), low physical activity (<150 minutes/week), unhealthy weight control, body dissatisfaction, and obesity status. Among females, the prevalence of having at least one eating, activity, or weight-related problems was 78.1% at Wave 1 (adolescence) and 82.3% at Wave 4 (adulthood); in males, the prevalence was 60.1% at Wave 1 and 69.2% at Wave 4. Of all outcomes assessed, unhealthy weight control behaviors had the highest prevalence in both genders. The stability of having at least one problem was high; 60.2% of females and 34.1% of males had at least one problematic outcome at all four waves. The majority of young people have some type of eating, activity, or weight-related problem at all stages from adolescence to adulthood. Findings indicate a need for wide-reaching interventions that address a broad spectrum of eating, activity, and weight-related problems prior to and throughout this developmental period.

Weight-teasing: does body dissatisfaction mediate weight-control behaviors of Brazilian adolescent girls from low-income communities?

The objective was to examine the mediation hypothesis of body dissatisfaction and analyze their association with weight-teasing and body satisfaction. A total of 253 girls who attended 10 schools from São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. Data collection was carried out through a validated and self-reported questionnaire. Study variables were weight-teasing (independent), body satisfaction (mediation), and weight control behavior (outcome). Effect mediation analyses showed a significance level of 5% (p &lt; 0.05). Prevalence of family and peers weight-teasing were 38.5% and 40.6%, respectively. Body dissatisfaction was associated with unhealthy weight control behaviors when controlled by family and peer weight-teasing. Data indicate that family and peers teasing are important aspects that interfere in body satisfaction and weight control behaviors.

Who Values Gluten-Free? Dietary Intake, Behaviors, and Sociodemographic Characteristics of Young Adults Who Value Gluten-Free Food

BackgroundOver the past decade, consumer demand for gluten-free products has increased, but little is known about the public health impact of and factors correlated with valuing gluten-free food. ObjectiveDescribe the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of young adults valuing gluten-free as an important food attribute, and compare their dietary intake with other young adults. DesignCross-sectional analysis of survey data collected in 2015 to 2016 as part of the fourth wave of the Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) cohort study. Participants/settingPopulation-based sample of 1,819 young adults (25 to 36 years) (57% women, 69% white), initially recruited in Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, public middle and senior high schools. MeasuresValuing gluten-free food, weight goals and weight control behaviors, food production values, eating behaviors, physical activity, and dietary intake. Statistical analyses performedLogistic regression models were used to investigate associations with potential correlates of valuing gluten-free food. For dietary intake, adjusted mean estimates were calculated for those who did and those who did not value gluten-free foods. ResultsApproximately 13% of young adults valued gluten-free food, a characteristic most strongly related to valuing food production practices (eg, organic, locally grown); factors such as Nutrition Facts use and having a weight goal were also related to gluten-free food values. Valuing gluten-free food was related to engagement in both healthy behaviors (eg, eating breakfast daily, eating more fruits and vegetables) and unhealthy behaviors (eg, using diet pills to control weight). Conclusions and relevanceYoung adults valuing gluten-free food generally engaged in healthier behaviors and had better dietary intake; of concern, they were also more likely to engage in unhealthy weight control behaviors. Valuing gluten-free food may be part of a cluster of behaviors representing an interest in making healthier food choices but may also be a marker for unhealthy weight preoccupation and behaviors.

Prevalence and Correlates of Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Young Adults with Overweight or Obesity.

Clinical and community samples indicate that eating disorders (EDs) and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) may co-occur among adolescents and young adults at a weight status classified as overweight or obese. To determine the prevalence of EDs and DEBs among young adults at a weight status classified as overweight or obese using a nationally representative sample and to characterize differences in prevalence by sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Cross-sectional nationally representative data collected from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health). Young adults ages 18-24years old. ED diagnosis and DEBs (self-reported binge eating or unhealthy weight control behaviors including vomiting, fasting/skipping meals, or laxative/diuretic use to lose weight). Covariates: age, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, weight status, and education. Of the 14,322 young adults in the sample, 48.6% were at a weight status classified as overweight or obese. Compared to young adults at a weight status classified as underweight or normal weight, those at a weight status classified as overweight or obese reported a higher rate of DEBs (29.3 vs 15.8% in females, 15.4 vs 7.5% in males). Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that odds of engaging in DEBs were 2.32 (95% confidence interval 2.05-2.61) times higher for females compared to males; 1.66 (1.23-2.24) times higher for Asian/Pacific Islander compared to White; 1.62 (1.16-2.26) times higher for homosexual or bisexual compared to heterosexual; 1.26 (1.09-1.44) times higher for high school or less versus more than high school education; and 2.45 (2.16-2.79) times higher for obesity compared to normal weight, adjusting for all covariates. The high prevalence of DEBs particularly in young adults at a weight status classified as overweight or obese underscores the need for screening, referrals, and tailored interventions for DEBs in this population.

Prospective associations between cannabis use and negative and positive health and social measures among emerging adults

BackgroundIn light of on-going policy changes related to cannabis use in the United States, it is important to examine possible associations between cannabis use and subsequent behaviors of public health interest. This study identified prospective associations between cannabis use during first-year post high-school and a wide range of positive and negative health and social measures one year later. MethodsData were from Waves 4 (Time 1; 1st year after high-school) and 5 (Time 2; one year later) of the NEXT Generation Health Study, a national sample of emerging adults in the United States (n = 1915; mean age = 20.2; 61% female). Multinomial logistic regressions adjusting for pertinent covariates were conducted to examine odds of substance use, nutrition, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, school performance, family relations, mental health, driving behaviors and health perceptions at Time 2. ResultsCompared with non-use, frequent use (20+ times in the past year) at Time 1 was associated with Time 2 negative health and social measures, including risky driving behaviors (AOR = 1.78, CI-1.45–2.19), depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.68, CI-1.43–1.98), unhealthy weight control behaviors (AOR = 1.55, CI-1.31–1.84), psycho-somatic symptoms (AOR = 1.55, CI-1.30–1.83), and low school achievement (AOR = 1.46, CI-1.23–1.75). Frequent users relative to non-users had a lower probability of being overweight and obese (AOR = 0.75, CI-0.60–0.92).Regarding positive measures frequent users relative to non-users had a higher probability of meeting recommendation of physical activity (AOR = 1.28, CI-1.09–1.51), but a lower probability of consuming fruits and vegetables (AOR = 0.82, CI-0.70–0.96) or attending college/university (AOR = 0.57, CI-0.44–0.75). Findingson occasional cannabis use (1–19 times in the past year) were more similar to frequent cannabis use for negative than positive health and social measures. ConclusionResults demonstrate complex prospective patterns in which significant prospective associations with most adverse measures were found for both occasional and frequent users, and with few significant associations of positive health measures mostly among occasional cannabis users.

"Healthy Habits, Healthy Girls-Brazil": an obesity prevention program with added focus on eating disorders.

To evaluate the immediate post-intervention and 6-month post-intervention effects of a Brazilian school-based randomized controlled trial for girls targeting shared risk factors for obesity and disordered eating. Total of 253 girls, mean of 15.6 (0.05) years from 1st to 3rd grades of high school participated in this 6-month school-based cluster randomized controlled trial. "Healthy Habits, Healthy Girls-Brazil (H3G-Brazil)", originally developed in Australia, emphasized 10 key nutrition and physical activity (PA) messages delivered over 6months. Disordered eating prevention procedures, i.e., prevention of weight-teasing, body satisfaction, and unhealthy weight control behavior, were added to the intervention. Body dissatisfaction, unhealthy weight control behaviors and social cognitive-related diet, and physical activity variables were assessed at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 6-month post-intervention. Intervention effects were determined by one-way analysis of covariance or logistic regression, after checking for the clustering effects of school. The control group did not receive intervention prior to follow-up assessment. A conservative significance level was set at p < 0.01. Beneficial effects were detected for PA social support (F = 6.005, p = 0.01), and healthy eating strategies (F = 6.08, p = 0.01) immediate post-intervention; and healthy eating social support (F = 14.731, p = 0.00) and healthy eating strategies (F = 5.812, p = 0.01) at 6-month post-intervention. Intervention group was more likely to report unhealthy weight control behaviors (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.15-3.21, p = 0.01) at 6-month post-intervention. No other significant immediate or 6-month post effects were detected. H3G-Brazil demonstrated positive 6-month effects on some social cognitive variables but an adverse effect on unhealthy weight control behaviors. Thus, this study was not able to achieve synergy by combining obesity and disordered eating prevention procedures in an intervention among low-income girls in Brazil. Level I: cluster randomized controlled trial.

Personal, behavioral, and environmental predictors of healthy weight maintenance during the transition to adulthood

There is a high prevalence of overweight among U.S. young adults and the intergenerational implications of excess weight gain at this life stage are great. We used Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) study data to identify personal, behavioral, and environmental factors that predicted healthy weight maintenance during the transition from adolescence to adulthood and as individuals progressed from the third to fourth decade of life. The sample included 1120 young adults who were secondary school students in Minneapolis-St. Paul at Time 1 (1998–1999) and responded at follow-ups in 2008–2009 and 2015–2016. Results showed individual factors and multiple environmental factors contribute to maintenance. The most consistent findings suggest that having higher body satisfaction and avoiding unhealthy weight control behaviors (e.g., skipping meals) and dieting are protective against excess weight gain for women and men. For example, the odds ratio associated with a one standard deviation increase in the probability of using an extreme weight control behavior from adolescence and adulthood was 0.67 (CI: 0.54, 0.84) among women and 0.34 (CI: 0.12, 0.96) among men indicating decreased odds of maintaining a healthy weight. Social support for healthy eating and physical activity were protective whereas close relationships with individuals who were dieting (e.g., parents, significant others) reduced the likelihood of maintaining a healthy weight. Primary prevention strategies should continue beyond adolescence and involve peer social support to encourage young people at a healthy weight to be satisfied with their shape/size and avoid restrictive weight control behaviors.

Weight Labeling and Disordered Eating Among Adolescent Girls: Longitudinal Evidence From the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study

PurposeWeight stigma is implicated in disordered eating, but much of this research focuses on forms of stigma such as weight-based teasing. MethodsIn a large cohort of adolescent girls (N = 2,036), we tested the hypothesis that being labeled as “too fat” by others predicts subsequent greater disordered eating cognitions and behaviors. ResultsCompared with girls who did not report weight labeling, girls who were labeled at age 14 showed an increase in unhealthy weight control behaviors and disordered eating cognitions over the subsequent 5 years. These effects were independent of objective body mass index, race, parental income and education, and initial levels of disordered eating. ConclusionsExploratory analyses suggest that weight labeling from family members is more strongly associated with disordered eating than labeling from nonfamily members. This study highlights how the long-term consequences of weight stigma can potentially begin when one is labeled as “too fat.”

Obesity and eating disorders in integrative prevention programmes for adolescents: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionObesity and eating disorders are public health problems that have lifelong financial and personal costs and common risk factors, for example, body dissatisfaction, weight teasing and disordered eating. Obesity prevention...

Intergenerational Transmission of Parent Encouragement to Diet From Adolescence Into Adulthood.

Although previous cross-sectional research has revealed potential harmful outcomes associated with parent encouragement to diet, it is unclear whether these effects are long lasting and whether they are transmitted to the next generation. The main aim of the current study was to examine longitudinal associations between exposure to parent encouragement to diet in adolescence and weight-related and emotional health outcomes in adulthood and to examine whether intergenerational transmission of encouragement to diet occurs. This is a longitudinal, population-based study (ie, Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) of socioeconomically and racially and/or ethnically diverse adolescents managed into adulthood and/or parenthood (n = 556; mean age = 31.4; 64.6% female). Surveys and anthropometrics were completed at school by adolescents in 1998-1999 and surveys were completed online in 2015-2016 by young adults. Experiencing parent encouragement to diet as an adolescent was significantly associated with a higher risk of overweight or obesity, dieting, binge eating, engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors, and lower body satisfaction 15 years later as a parent, after adjusting for sociodemographics and baseline measures of the outcomes (P < .05). Additionally, intergenerational transmission of encouragement to diet occurred and resulted in parents being more likely to report other weight-focused communication in the home environment. Exposure to parent encouragement to diet as an adolescent had long-term harmful associations with weight-related and emotional health outcomes in parenthood and was transmitted to the next generation. It may be important for health care providers to educate parents about the potential harmful and long-lasting consequences of engaging in encouragement to diet with their children.

Unhealthy weight control behaviors among youth: Sex of sexual partner is linked to important differences

ABSTRACTUnhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) have been decreasing for most youth over time, yet little is known whether these behaviors have changed for sexual minority (e.g., non-heterosexual) youth. This is important because many studies have found that sexual minorities report some of the highest rates of UWCBs. To determine whether or not these behaviors have changed over time, given the extreme changes in social contexts over the past two decades, we utilised three waves of the Minnesota Student Survey (N = 55,597, Mage = 17). In doing so, we report trends, disparities, and changes in disparities of UWCBs. Overall, the prevalence of UWCBs has declined from 1999 to 2010 for all youth, but there are alarming disparities by sex of sexual partner. We found that both- and same-sex partnered male youth were more likely to fast, use diet pills, and vomit on purpose to lose weight compared to their opposite-sex partnered counterparts in all three survey years; specifically, both-sex partnered boys were up to 5.5× as likely to vomit on purpose compared to their opposite-sex partnered counterparts. Likewise, both-sex partnered girls were more likely to use diet pills and vomit on purpose to lose weight compared to opposite-sex partnered girls in all three survey years. Additionally, the disparity in fasting to lose weight widened for the same-sex partnered females compared to the opposite-sex partnered females from 1998 to 2004. This has implications for UWCB interventions and preventions targeted specifically towards sexual minorities.

Association of Weight Control Behaviors with Body Mass Index in Korean Adolescents: A Quantile Regression Approach

PurposeAdolescents are interested in weight control but likely practice unhealthy weight control behaviors. This study aimed to examine weight control behaviors associated with body mass index (BMI) in Korean adolescents. Design and MethodsIn this descriptive cross-sectional study of 16- to 19-year-old adolescents (97 girls and 90 boys), analyses were conducted of physical activity, sedentary behaviors, dietary behaviors, and self-efficacy for physical activity and diet. Daily steps were measured using pedometers. Height and weight were self-reported. We conducted descriptive statistics and quantile regression analysis using STATA 14.0. ResultsAbout 10% were underweight, and 8.6% overweight and obese. Average weekday and weekend steps/day were <10,000. Only 4.3% reported performing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) daily. Less than half (42.5%) reported that they had three meals/day every day. Most (89.3%) had milk less than once/day. Quantile regression showed that, for the 5th BMI percentile group, (1) age (β = 0.941) and milk consumption (β = 2.148) were significantly positively associated with BMI, whereas (2) dietary self-efficacy (β = −0.083) was significantly negatively associated with BMI. For the 95th percentile group, having three meals/day (β = 2.558) was significantly positively associated with BMI, whereas MVPA (β = −5.440) and muscle-strengthening exercise (β = −3.392) were significantly negatively associated with BMI. ConclusionsMilk consumption was positively associated with BMI of underweight adolescents, whereas physical activities were negatively associated with BMI of overweight and obese adolescents. Practice ImplicationWeight control programs for adolescents may need to be tailored for differing BMI levels.

Calorie Labels on the Restaurant Menu: Is the Use of Weight-Control Behaviors Related to Ordering Decisions?

BackgroundThere is emerging evidence that calorie information on restaurant menus does not similarly influence the ordering decisions of all population groups and may have unintended consequences for individuals who struggle with disordered eating or other weight-related concerns. ObjectiveThis study describes demographic patterns in the use of calorie information on restaurant menus and investigates relationships between using this information to limit calorie intake and measures of restaurant visit frequency and weight-related concerns and behavior. Design/participantsThere were 788 men and 1042 women (mean age=31.0±1.6 years) who participated in the fourth wave of the Project EAT study. Participants were initially recruited from Minneapolis-St Paul, MN, schools and completed EAT-IV surveys online or by mail from 2015 to 2016. Main outcome measuresParticipants self-reported weight-related concerns, restaurant eating, intuitive eating, dieting, healthy (eg, exercise) and unhealthy (eg, use of laxatives) weight-control behaviors, and binge eating. Statistical analyses performedDescriptive statistics and linear and logistic regression models accounting for demographics and weight status. ResultsApproximately half of participants (52.7%) reported they had noticed calorie information while purchasing a meal or snack in a restaurant within the previous month. Among individuals who noticed calorie information, 38.2% reported they did not use it in deciding what to order. The most common use of calorie information was to avoid high-calorie menu items (50.1%) or to decide on a smaller portion (20.2%). Using menu labels to limit calories was related to binge eating among women and was associated with more weight-related concerns, dieting, and unhealthy weight-control behaviors among both women and men. ConclusionsNutrition educators and other health care professionals should talk with clients who struggle with disordered eating or weight-related concerns to learn about their use of calorie information at restaurants, address any potential unintended consequences, and promote healthy uses of calorie information.

Autoinforme de peso e insatisfacción con el peso corporal

El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar la influencia común del índice de masa corporal (IMC) e insatisfacción con el peso corporal en las estrategias del control de peso y quejas físicas y psicológicas. Un total de 5404 adolescentes rumanos a la edad de entre 13 y 15 años (50.6% chicas) participaron en un estudio más grande que examinaba las conductas y actitudes de riesgo de salud en los jóvenes. Los participantes tenían que dar su peso y altura (para calcular el IMC). También respondieron a las preguntas sobre su insatisfacción con el peso corporal, control de peso insalubre y quejas sobre molestias de salud física y psicológica. Hemos usado la regresión logística para examinar la relación entre el IMC, la insatisfacción con el peso corporal, el control de peso insalubre y las molestias de salud. 21% de adolescentes autoevaluaron que padecen sobrepeso, con 10% de adolescentes de peso normal insatisfechos con su peso corporal. Las molestias de salud más frecuentes reportadas por los adolescentes fueron dolor de cabeza (23.3%), problemas con el sueño (16.7%) y mal humor (32%). Hubo una interacción significativa entre el IMC y la insatisfacción con el tamaño corporal para predecir el control de peso insalubre y síntomas físicos y psicológicos. Los adolescentes sin sobrepeso pero insatisfechos con su cuerpo mostraban más tendencias a las conductas de control de peso insalubre y reportaban tanto síntomas físicos como psicológicos en comparación con sus compañeros con el sobrepeso o aquellos más satisfechos con su cuerpo. El presente estudio sugiere que el uso de métodos del control de peso insalubre no es poco común entre los adolescentes con niveles altos de insatisfacción, y que tienen el IMC dentro de lo normal. Las intervenciones deberían tratar de abordar las preocupaciones sobre el peso corporal y proporcionar a los adolescentes habilidades para valorar críticamente ideales de peso corporal.

Nutrition Facts Use in Relation to Eating Behaviors and Healthy and Unhealthy Weight Control Behaviors

ObjectiveInvestigate the relationship between use of Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods and weight-related behaviors. DesignCross-sectional survey in 2015–2016. ParticipantsYoung adult respondents (n = 1,817; 57% women; average age 31.0 ± 1.6 years) to the Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults–IV survey, the fourth wave of a longitudinal cohort study. Variables MeasuredUse of Nutrition Facts labels on packaged foods; healthy, unhealthy, and extreme weight control behaviors; intuitive eating; binge eating. AnalysisLinear and logistic regression models were adjusted for age, ethnicity/race, education, income, and weight status. ResultsIn women, greater Nutrition Facts use was associated with a 23% and 10% greater likelihood of engaging in healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, respectively, and a 17% greater chance of engaging in binge eating. In men, greater label use was associated with a 27% and 17% greater likelihood of engaging in healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, respectively, and a lower level of intuitive eating. Conclusions and ImplicationsProfessionals advising patients and clients on weight management may consider possible gender differences in response to weight loss and management guidance. Since label use was related to engagement in some unhealthy behaviors in addition to healthy behaviors, it is important to consider how individuals may use labels, particularly those at risk for, or engaging in, disordered eating behaviors. Future research investigating potential relationships between Nutrition Facts use, intuitive eating, and binge eating is needed.

Fifteen-year Weight and Disordered Eating Patterns Among Community-based Adolescents.

The current study aims to characterize weight-change trajectories and their concomitant associations with prospectively measured dieting and other disordered eating behaviors among initially nonoverweight adolescents during the transition to adulthood. A population-based sample (n=1,091) self-reported their height/weight, dieting, unhealthy weight-control behaviors, and binge eating at 5-year intervals between 1998/1999 and 2013/2014, spanning early/middle adolescence through middle/late young adulthood. Data were analyzed in 2016/2017. Groups were categorized as those who were never overweight (n=562), were overweight during at least one measurement point and gained weight more rapidly (n=246) or gradually (n=238) than their peers, or were overweight during at least one measurement point but returned to nonoverweight status by middle/late young adulthood (n=45). Thus, nearly half of adolescents became overweight during the transition to adulthood. Those who were never overweight had the lowest rates of dieting (males: F[9, 1,314]=2.54, p=0.0069, females: F[9, 1,927]=3.02, p=0.0014) and unhealthy weight-control behaviors (males: F[9, 1,313]=3.30, p=0.0005, females: F[9, 1,927]=3.02, p=0.0014), whereas some of these behaviors tended to track with weight gain in rapid and gradual weight gainers. Although adolescents who are already overweight are most frequently targeted for weight-gain prevention and early intervention programs, results suggest that healthy lifestyle interventions could also benefit individuals who may be perceived as low risk for overweight in adulthood by nature of being nonoverweight in adolescence. Dieting and unhealthy weight-control behaviors tended to be associated with weight gain, suggesting that they are ineffective in addition to being potentially harmful.

Looking Good and Making It Seem Easy

Unhealthy weight control behaviors are a significant health concern among adolescents and emerging adults, and perfectionism plays a role in the development/maintenance of these behaviors. Effortless perfectionism, or pressure to be perfect with apparent ease, is linked to maladjustment, but its role in weight control behaviors is unexplored. Longitudinal data on effortless perfectionism, body image, body mass index (BMI), and weight control behaviors were collected in college-aged females ( N = 376, mean age = 18.48, 66% Caucasian). After controlling for BMI and trait-based perfectionism, effortless perfectionism uniquely predicted weight control behaviors. Higher levels of effortless perfectionism also predicted more weight control behaviors, but only for individuals with poor body image and specifically for those who also reported lower BMI. Pressure to be perfect with apparent ease confers unique risk for unhealthy weight control behaviors among adolescents and emerging adults with low body image and BMI. Findings highlight the importance of developing interventions that target effortless perfectionism to improve health and functioning during the transition to adulthood.