Premium
Patterns of weight control behavior persisting beyond young adulthood: Results from a 15‐year longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Haynos Ann F.,
Wall Melanie M.,
Chen Chen,
Wang Shirley B.,
Loth Katie,
NeumarkSztainer Dianne
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/eat.22963
Subject(s) - dieting , young adult , longitudinal study , psychology , weight control , weight loss , population , demography , body mass index , developmental psychology , gerontology , medicine , obesity , pathology , sociology
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 ( p s < .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.