Patterns of Self‐Reported Dieting and Energy Intake in 15y Girls

Dieters use various combinations of weight control behaviors, which may differentially influence energy intake. Objectives were to use Latent Class Analysis (LCA) to identify and predict patterns of weight control behaviors and to examine group differences in energy intake. Subjects were 167 15y girls. Weight control behaviors were assessed using the French Weight Control Scale. BMI, restraint, weight concerns, and dieting frequency were assessed as predictors. Both self‐reported (3 24h dietary recalls, used to categorize reporting accuracy) and weighed intake (EAH protocol, standardized lunch) assessed energy intake. LCA identified four classes of weight control behaviors, Non‐dieters (26%; no behaviors), and three dieting groups: Lifestyle (16%; use of exercise and increased fruits/vegetables), Dietary Guidelines (43%; decreased overall intake and energy density), and Extreme (17%; reported all behaviors). BMI, restraint, weight concerns, and dieting frequency increased on an ordinal scale across groups, from Non‐dieters to Extreme dieters. Self‐reported, EAH, and lunch intakes differed by group (p < 0.05). Girls in the Extreme group were more likely to be classified as under‐reporters, and had the lowest self‐reported intake, but ate significantly more during controlled feeding protocols in the laboratory. Three patterns of self‐reported “dieting” were identified, increasing in the number and severity of weight control behaviors used and distinct in descriptive characteristics. Patterns of intake in the laboratory support the view that the lower energy intake reported by Extreme dieters is likely due to under reporting as an intent to decrease intake, not actual decreased intake.