Patterns of weight‐control behavior among 15 year old girls

Abstract

Objective The objectives were to identify and predict patterns of weight control behavior in 15 year old (yo) girls and to examine weight control group differences in energy intake. Method Subjects included 166 girls assessed every 2 years (ys) from age 5 to 15. Latent class analysis was used to identify patterns of weight control behaviors. Antecedent variables (e.g. inhibitory control at 7ys), and concurrent variables (e.g. BMI and dietary intake at 15ys) were included as predictors. Assessments were a combination of survey, interview, and laboratory measures. Results LCA identified four classes of weight control behaviors, Non-dieters (26%), and three dieting groups: Lifestyle (16%), Dieters (43%), and Extreme Dieters (17%). Levels of restraint, weight concerns, and dieting frequency increased across groups, from Non-dieters to Extreme Dieters. BMI at 5ys and inhibitory control at 7ys predicted weight control group at 15ys; e.g. with every one-point decrease in inhibitory control, girls were twice as likely to be Extreme Dieters than Non-dieters. Girls in the Extreme Dieters group were mostly classified as under-reporters, and had the lowest self-reported intake, but ate significantly more in the laboratory. Discussion Among 15yo girls, “dieting” includes a range of both healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Risk factors for membership in a weight control groups are present as early as 5ys. Patterns of intake in the laboratory support the view that lower reported energy intake by Extreme Dieters is likely due under-reporting as an intent to decrease intake, not actual decreased intake.

Using Propensity Score Methods To Assess Causal Effects of Mothers' Dieting Behavior on Daughters' Early Dieting Behavior

“…Girls of mothers who reported dieting were almost three times more likely to attempt dieting by age 11. This effect was not moderated by daughters' weight status at age 5, despite previous findings that body weight promotes risk factors for eating pathology such as dieting, 16 potentially suggesting that weight may play more of a role later in childhood and adolescence. The relatively small sample may have limited the ability to detect significant interactions: only 37 girls were categorized as overweight at baseline.…”

“…16 At baseline, participants included 197 five-year-old girls (mean age = 5.4 -0.4) and their mothers. Eligibility criteria for girls' participation at baseline included living with the biological parents, the absence of severe food allergies or chronic medical problems affecting food intake, and the absence of dietary restrictions involving animal products.…”

Patterns of Eating Disorder Pathology are Associated with Weight Change in Family‐Based Behavioral Obesity Treatment

“…Notably, in the HIGH group, the changes in ED pathology were not significantly correlated with reductions in weight, indicating that for children with comorbid obesity and ED pathology, large reductions in weight status are not necessary to see changes in ED pathology. The discrepancy in findings between the dieting and obesity‐treatment literatures is likely due to differences in the energy‐reduction method; while most self‐initiated dieting is often accompanied by extreme restriction, particularly of specific foods and/or food groups , supervised obesity treatment focuses on encouraging more sustainable lifestyle modifications. In addition, FBT teaches parents to model healthy eating practices, use praise and positive reinforcement for healthy behaviors rather than focusing on weight or criticizing less healthy choices, and provide support (e.g., assisting with self‐monitoring) for their child's efforts.…”

Eating in the absence of hunger during childhood predicts self-reported binge eating in adolescence

“…Attrition was primarily due to family relocation outside of the area. Additional details on the study population can be found elsewhere (10, 11). Girls with complete data on both EAH at age 7 and binge eating at age 15 (n=158) were included in the current study; there were no differences between those included in the current study and those without complete data.…”