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Effects of behavioral weight control intervention on binge eating symptoms among overweight adolescents
Author(s) -
Mehlenbeck Robyn S.,
Jelalian Elissa,
LloydRichardson Elizabeth E.,
Hart Chantelle N.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
psychology in the schools
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.738
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1520-6807
pISSN - 0033-3085
DOI - 10.1002/pits.20416
Subject(s) - overweight , binge eating , psychology , intervention (counseling) , weight loss , obesity , clinical psychology , randomized controlled trial , eating disorders , psychiatry , medicine
Abstract This study examined change in binge eating symptoms reported by moderately overweight adolescents following participation in a behavioral weight control intervention. A total of 194 adolescents across two randomized controlled trials participated. Adolescents in both study samples endorsed a mild level of binge eating symptoms at baseline. Results from both Study 1 and Study 2 indicated a significant reduction in binge eating symptoms following participation in a 16‐week weight control intervention, F (1,60) = 9.43, p < .01 and F (1,98) = 20.98, p < .01, respectively. Several significant relationships between measures of self‐concept and binge eating symptoms were noted, with lower self‐concept scores related to higher binge eating symptoms scores at baseline. Changes in binge eating symptoms were also related to changes in physical appearance self‐concept, global self‐concept, and physical self‐worth at the end of the intervention. In conclusion, findings from this study support an emerging body of evidence suggesting that dietary restriction, as practiced through participation in a weight control intervention, leads to a reduction in binge eating symptoms among overweight adolescents. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.