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

Abstract

Objective: 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. Method: 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. Results: 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). Discussion: 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.

Comparing self‐harming intentions underlying eating disordered behaviors and NSSI: Evidence that distinctions are less clear than assumed

“…Moreover, results indicated that restrictive eating may be more closely related to suicidal behaviors than other ED behaviors. This is particularly concerning because restrictive eating is common among people with EDs (Elran‐Barak et al, ) and among people in non‐clinical samples (Haynos et al, ; Neumark‐Sztainer, Wall, Larson, Eisenberg, & Loth, ). Indeed, in our sample, more subjects endorsed restrictive eating than any other ED behaviors.…”

Fifteen-Year Prevalence, Trajectories, and Predictors of Body Dissatisfaction From Adolescence to Middle Adulthood

“…For Project EAT-IV, invitations were sent only to participants who had completed surveys at either or both Times 2 and 3 (Time 4; 2015–2016; n = 1,830; mean age = 31.0 ± 1.6 years), and accordingly, responders represent only 50% of those with usable contact information from baseline. Additional details of the methodology have been published previously (Haynos et al, 2018; Neumark-Sztainer, Wall, Eisenberg, Story, & Hannan, 2006; Neumark-Sztainer, Wall, Larson, Eisenberg, & Loth, 2011). All study protocols were approved by the University of Minnesota’s Institutional Review Board Human Subjects Committee.…”

Determining the potential link of self-compassion with eating pathology and body image among women: a longitudinal mediational study

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