Weight management goals and practices among U.S. high school students: associations with physical activity, diet, and smoking.

PURPOSE: To examine associations of physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption, and cigarette smoking with weight management goals and practices of U.S. high school students.METHODS: Data were from the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a representative sample of U.S. high school students (n = 15,349). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated to describe associations, controlling for demographic characteristics.RESULTS: Based on self-reported height and weight, 25% of students were either overweight (11%) or at risk for becoming overweight (14%). However, 43% of students were trying to lose weight and 19% of students were trying to maintain their current weight. Female students were less likely than male students to be overweight, but more likely to be trying to lose weight. Trying to lose weight was associated with vigorous physical activity (OR = 1.5), strengthening exercises (OR = 2.2), and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.4) among female students; and vigorous physical activity (OR = 1.6), strengthening exercises (OR = 1.8), and eating > or =5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.5) among male students. Among students trying to lose weight or stay the same weight, only 62% of females and 41% of males combined exercise with a reduced fat and calorie diet, while 32% of females and 17% of males used unhealthy weight control methods (fasting, diet pills, vomiting, or laxatives).CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to promote healthy weight management among adolescents are needed and should place greater emphasis on combining physical activity with a reduced fat and calorie diet, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and discouraging smoking and other unhealthy weight control practices.     

Body mass index, menarche, and perception of dieting among peripubertal adolescent females

OBJECTIVE: To examine perceptions of dieting among pre and postmenarchial female school students. METHOD: All 51 female students of mean (SD) age 12.6 (0.6) years from a state school volunteered to complete a questionnaire about general health, eating and weight control behaviors, and menstrual status. Height and weight were measured. Focus groups using structured questions and discussion were used to elicit responses about the meaning of dieting and its association with menarche. RESULTS: Postmenarchial females were significantly more likely than the same age premenarchial students to have increased their body mass index (BMI), to clearly articulate the meaning of dieting, to report trying to lose weight, and to use diet and exercise to lose weight. Premenarchial females did not have a clear perception of dieting. Premenarchial females who reported trying to lose weight equated dieting with healthy eating and did not include losing weight or the behaviors and feeling associated with the concept of dieting unless their BMI had increased and menarche was imminent. DISCUSSION: The concept of dieting that may result in weight loss and the behaviors and feelings associated with dieting did not develop until menarche and is likely to be associated with the rapid increase in height, weight, and body fat that precedes menarche. Educational interventions aimed at preventing eating disorders among premenarchial adolescents may therefore be inappropriate, ineffective, and potentially dangerous.     

Correlates of body mass index, weight goals, and weight-management practices among adolescents

The study examined associations among physical activity, cigarette smoking, body mass index, perceptions of body weight, weight-management goals, and weight-management behaviors of public high school adolescents. The CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey provided a cross-sectional sample (n = 3,089) of public high school students in South Carolina. Logistic regression models were constructed separately for four race-gender groups. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to determine the magnitude of associations. Based on self-reported height and weight, 13% of students were overweight, while 15% were at risk for becoming overweight. However, 42% of students were trying to lose weight, and 22% were trying to maintain current weight. Female students were less likely than male students to be overweight, but more likely to be attempting to lose weight. Extreme weight control practices were reported by 27% of the sample. Among Black females trying to lose weight, positive associations were observed for strengthening exercises (OR = 1.55), but that relationship was associated inversely in Black males (OR = .600). Among White females, attempted weight loss was associated with strengthening exercises (OR = 1.72) and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.54). For White males, attempted weight loss was associated positively with vigorous exercise (OR = 1.41) and inversely related to moderate exercise (OR = .617). Effective weight-management practices for adolescents should focus on appropriate eating behaviors, physical activity, and low-fat/calorie diets. Multicomponent weight management interventions should be conducted within a coordinated school health framework.     

The role of social norms and friends' influences on unhealthy weight-control behaviors among adolescent girls

Dieting is common among adolescent girls and may place them at risk of using unhealthy weight-control behaviors (UWCBs), such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diet pills, or fasting. Research has suggested that social factors, including friends and broader cultural norms, may be associated with UWCBs. The present study examines the relationship between the school-wide prevalence of current weight loss efforts among adolescent girls, friends' dieting behavior, and UWCBs, and investigates differences in these associations across weight categories. Survey data were collected in 31 middle and high schools in ethnically and socio-economically diverse communities in Minnesota, USA. The response rate was 81.5%. Rates of UWCBs were compared across the spectrum of prevalence of trying to lose weight and friends' involvement with dieting, using chi(2) analysis and multivariate logistic regression, controlling for demographic factors and clustering by school. Girls with higher body mass index (BMI) were more likely to engage in UWCBs than those of lower BMI. Multivariate models indicated that friends' dieting behavior was significantly associated with UWCBs for average weight girls (OR = 1.57, CI = 1.40-1.77) and moderately overweight girls (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.19-1.82). The school-wide prevalence of trying to lose weight was significantly, albeit modestly, related to UWCBs for average weight girls (15th-85th percentile; OR = 1.17, CI = 1.01-1.36), and marginally associated for modestly overweight girls (85th-95th percentile; OR = 1.21, CI = .97-1.50), even after controlling for friends' dieting behaviors. The social influences examined here were not associated with UWCBs among underweight ( < 15th percentile) or overweight ( > 95th percentile) girls. Findings suggest that social norms, particularly from within one's peer group, but also at the larger school level may influence UWCBs, particularly for average weight girls. Implications for school-based interventions to reduce UWCBs are discussed.     

Attempting to lose weight: specific practices among U.S. adults

BACKGROUND: Americans spend over $33 billion annually on weight-loss products and services. Although weight-control methods are of considerable public health interest, few national data on weight-loss practices are available. This paper examines the prevalence of specific weight-loss practices among U.S. adults trying to lose weight. METHODS: Data from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey, which was conducted through face-to-face interviews of a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults (n =32,440), were analyzed in 2003. RESULTS: Twenty-four percent of men and 38% of women were trying to lose weight. Attempting weight loss was less common among normal weight (body mass index [BMI]<25 kg/m(2)) people (6% men, 24% women) than overweight (BMI>/=25 to 30 kg/m(2)) people (28%, 49%) or obese (BMI>/=30 kg/m(2)) people (50%, 58%). Among those trying to lose weight, the most common strategies were eating fewer calories (58% men, 63% women); eating less fat (49%, 56%); and exercising more (54%, 52%). Less frequent strategies were skipping meals (11% men, 9% women); eating food supplements (5%, 6%); joining a weight-loss program (3%, 5%); taking diet pills (2%, 3%); taking water pills or diuretics (1%, 2%); or fasting for >/=24 hours (0.6%, 0.7%). Only one third of all those trying to lose weight reported eating fewer calories and exercising more. CONCLUSIONS: Increased efforts are needed among all those trying to lose weight to promote effective strategies for weight loss, including the use of calorie reduction and increased physical activity.     

Weight concerns, dieting behavior, and smoking initiation among adolescents: a prospective study.

Students (n = 1705) in grades 7 through 10 were surveyed at baseline and 1 year later about their weight concerns, dieting behaviors, and smoking behavior. Three of six weight concerns and dieting behaviors assessed at baseline were prospectively related to smoking initiation in girls (trying to lose weight, eating disorder symptoms, constant thoughts about weight). Four of six weight concerns and dieting behaviors were cross-sectionally related to current smoking at baseline in girls (trying to lose weight, eating disorder symptoms, fear of weight gain, desire to be thin). Weight concerns and dieting behaviors were largely unrelated to current smoking in boys. Implications for smoking prevention efforts are discussed.     

Self-Reported Eating Disorders of Black, Low-Income Adolescents: Behavior, Body Weight Perceptions, and Methods of Dieting

This study identified black, low-income adolescents who thought they had anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, identified behaviors common to those who thought they had the disorders, and compared their actual and perceived body weight as well as methods of dieting. Of the 1,930 students in grades 7-12 who participated, about 12% thought they might have an eating disorder. These students also reported having food-related behaviors similar to individuals with eating disorders and which differed significantly from those reported by their peers. Gender was more likely to affect food behavior than age. Though most students were within their expected weight range, those with self-reported eating disorders perceived themselves to be heavier more often than their peers and when their actual weights were compared, they were more likely to weigh more. Of those who had dieted to lose weight, fasting was the most frequently reported restrictive method used.     

Why does dieting predict weight gain in adolescents? Findings from project EAT-II: a 5-year longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: Dieting has been found to predict weight gain in adolescents, but reasons for this association remain unclear. This study aimed to explore potential mechanisms by which dieting predicts weight gain over time in adolescents. DESIGN: Population-based, 5-year longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents (n=2,516) from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds who completed Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) surveys in 1999 (Time 1) and 2004 (Time 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Body mass index (BMI) change over 5 years. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Multiple regressions were used to examine associations between Time 1 dieting and Time 2 binge eating, breakfast consumption, fruit and vegetable intake, and physical activity. Associations were then examined between these behaviors and BMI change. Finally, to test for mediating effects, associations between dieting and BMI change were examined with and without the inclusion of these behaviors, and regression coefficients were compared. RESULTS: In female adolescents, dieting predicted increased binge eating (P<0.001) and decreased breakfast consumption (P=0.030). In male adolescents, dieting predicted increased binge eating (P<0.001), decreased physical activity (P=0.006), and a trend toward decreased breakfast consumption (P=0.064). These behaviors were also associated with increases in BMI. The association between dieting and BMI increase was weakened, but still remained significant, after binge eating, breakfast consumption, fruit/vegetable intake, and physical activity were included in the model being tested. Thus, the longitudinal association between dieting and BMI increase was partially mediated by these behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In part, dieting may lead to weight gain via the long-term adoption of behavioral patterns that are counterproductive to weight management.     

Dieting Status and its Relationship to Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors in a Representative Sample of US Adolescents

Objective To determine whether adolescents engaging in extreme weight loss methods (ie, vomiting and diet pills) and those using more moderate methods differ from each other in dietary intake (fruits, vegetables, and higher-fat foods) and physical activity, and to compare these variables in dieting and nondieting adolescents.Design Data were obtained from the 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey.Subjects/settings The survey was administered to a nationally representative sample of 16,296 adolescents in grades 9 through 12 in a school setting.Statistical analyses Data were analyzed for 16,125 adolescents. Associations between weight control behaviors and dietary intake and physical activity were examined using mixed-model logistic regressions, controlling for grade in school, race, parental education, region of the country, and urban vs nonurban residence.Results Differences in dietary and physical activity were found among adolescents who use extreme weight loss methods and moderate methods, and between dieters and nondieters. Adolescents using moderate methods of weight control engaged in more health-promoting eating and exercise behaviors than did extreme dieters or nondieters. Girls categorized as extreme dieters were less likely to eat fruits and vegetables than were moderate dieters (odds ratio [OR]=.56) or nondieters (OR=.75), and were more likely than more moderate dieters (OR=.76) to have consumed 2 or more servings of high-fat foods during the previous day.Applications/conclusions Our findings suggest the importance of distinguishing between different types of dieting behaviors in clinical settings and research studies. Adolescents engaging in extreme weight control behaviors may be at particular risk for inadequate nutritional intake. In contrast, adolescents using more moderate methods may be consuming a more healthful diet than are nondieters. For all adolescents, nutrition guidance on healthful and safe weight control strategies is needed. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:1127–1132,1135.     

Weight misperception and its association with dieting methods and eating behaviors in South Korean adolescents

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

There is little information on the association between weight misperception and eating behavior in Korean adolescents. Therefore, we investigated the association of food intake habits and dieting method and disturbed eating behavior (DEB) in relation to weight misperception.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Data was collected by using a nationwide online panel survey from 6,943 adolescents enrolled in middle/high school. DEB was measured with the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) and those who scored ≥ 20 on the EAT-26 were considered to have eating disorder. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine the association between weight misperception based on self-reported weight status and dieting method and eating behaviors.

RESULTS

The proportion of weight underestimation was 23.5% and that of overestimation was 24.0%. Weight overestimating girls were more likely to engage in various unhealthy dieting practices (OR = 1.69 for fasting; OR = 1.88 for laxative or diuretic use; OR = 2.05 for self-induced vomiting after meals; P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a strong association between overestimation and undesirable eating behaviors, especially among girls, e.g.: having breakfast (OR = 0.85), high consumption of fast foods (OR = 1.28) and regular sodas (OR = 1.39), but not among boys. In both genders, weight overestimation appears to be a major risk factor for DEB (OR = 1.34 for boys and OR = 1.41 for girls; P < 0.05).

CONSLUSIONS

Weight overestimation is associated with unhealthy weight control practices and eating behaviors. We particularly found a significant association between weight overestimation and DEB among nationwide Korean adolescents.     

Physical activity, food choice, and weight management goals and practices among US college students

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity and a healthy diet have been recommended to help reverse the increasing prevalence of overweight among adolescents and adults in the United States. METHODS: Data is from the 1995 National College Health Risk Behavior Survey. A representative sample of US undergraduate college students (n = 4609) were analyzed to examine associations of physical activity and food choice with weight management goals and practices. RESULTS: Based on self-reported height and weight, 35% of students were overweight or obese (body mass index > or = 25.0). Nearly half (46%) of all students reported they were trying to lose weight. Female students were less likely than male students to be overweight, but more likely to be trying to lose weight. Among female and male students, using logistic regression to control for demographics, trying to lose weight was associated with participation in vigorous physical activity and strengthening exercises, and consumption of < or = 2 servings/ day of high-fat foods. Female and male students who reported using exercise to lose weight or to keep from gaining weight were more likely than those who did not to participate in vigorous, strengthening, and moderate physical activity, and were more likely to eat > or = 5 servings/day of fruits and vegetables and < or = 2 servings/day of high-fat foods. Among students who were trying to lose weight, only 54% of females and 41% of males used both exercise and diet for weight control. CONCLUSION: Colleges should implement programs to increase student awareness of healthy weight management methods and the importance of physical activity combined with a healthy diet.     

Association between socioeconomic status, weight, age and gender, and the body image and weight control practices of 6- to 19-year-old children and adolescents.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of socioeconomic status (SES), age, weight and gender on the body image and weight control practices of children and adolescents, and to investigate whether health education about weight issues should target low socioeconomic groups. The study participants were a randomly selected group of school children who completed a questionnaire, and had their height and weight measured. Participants (n = 1131) were aged 6-19 years from 12 schools in New South Wales. SES, age, gender, body weight, body image, skipping breakfast, physical self-esteem, attempts to lose or gain weight, and dietary and weight control advice received from others were examined. Log-linear, chi 2 and MANOVA analyses were used to determine interactions between variables. Low SES children were more likely to be overweight, to skip breakfast, to perceive themselves as 'too thin', to be trying to gain weight and less likely to receive dietary or weight control advice. Physical self-esteem was lowest among overweight girls of middle/upper SES and greatest among boys of low SES, despite the latter being more likely to be overweight. Being overweight does not appear to adversely affect the physical self-esteem of children of low SES, particularly boys. Health educators should examine these issues with young people to help make health education and nutrition education most relevant and appropriate.     

Self-perception of body weight among high school students in Taipei, Taiwan

Self-perception of body weight and other weight-related factors were assessed among 2665 Taipei, Taiwan high school students. A high percent of the girls (70.7%) and boys (42.2%) reported that they were too fat and these percentages were much higher than those reported by U.S. students in a recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey. In addition, only 13.2% of girls and 22.0% of boys reported being completely satisfied with their weight and the level of dissatisfaction with weight appeared to be greater than among U.S. students. Yet, in comparison to U.S. students, the Taiwanese students were considerably less likely than their U.S. counterparts to engage in weight management practices (e.g., dieting, eating less food, using diet pills). Taiwanese students with a self-perception of being too fat were more likely than those with perceptions of being just right or too thin to engage in weight management practices, to be dissatisfied with their weight, feel that they were unattractive, estimate that their same-sex peers were trying to lose weight, and have a higher body mass index. The findings from this study showed a relationship between self-perception of body size and engaging in weight control behaviors was consistent with other research. It suggested that self-perception of body weight, more so than objective weight status, was predictive of weight loss behavior and also negative psychological outcomes associated with poor body weight image. As a result, self-perception of weight may be an important point of focus for the design and implementation of clinical and public health initiatives targeted at this adolescent population as well as others.     

Eating Breakfast and Dinner Together as a Family: Associations with Sociodemographic Characteristics and Implications for Diet Quality and Weight Status

BackgroundResearch has shown that adolescents who frequently share evening meals with their families experience more positive health outcomes, including diets of higher nutritional quality. However, little is known about families eating together at breakfast.ObjectiveThis study examined sociodemographic differences in family meal frequencies in a population-based adolescent sample. In addition, this study examined associations of family breakfast meal frequency with dietary quality and weight status.DesignCross-sectional data from EAT 2010 (Eating and Activity in Teens) included anthropometric assessments and classroom-administered surveys completed in 2009-2010.Participants/settingParticipants included 2,793 middle and high school students (53.2% girls, mean age=14.4 years) from Minneapolis/St Paul, MN, public schools.Main outcome measuresUsual dietary intake was self-reported on a food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were measured.Statistical analyses performedRegression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, family dinner frequency, family functioning, and family cohesion were used to examine associations of family breakfast frequency with dietary quality and weight status.ResultsOn average, adolescents reported having family breakfast meals 1.5 times (standard deviation=2.1) and family dinner meals 4.1 times (standard deviation=2.6) in the past week. There were racial/ethnic differences in family breakfast frequency, with the highest frequencies reported by adolescents of black, Hispanic, Native American, and mixed race/ethnicity. Family breakfast frequency was also positively associated with male sex, younger age, and living in a two-parent household. Family breakfast frequency was associated with several markers of better diet quality (such as higher intake of fruit, whole grains, and fiber) and lower risk for overweight/obesity. For example, adolescents who reported seven family breakfasts in the past week consumed an average of 0.37 additional daily fruit servings compared with adolescents who never had a family breakfast meal.ConclusionsResults suggest that eating breakfast together as a family can have benefits for adolescents' dietary intake and weight status.     

Dieting status and its relationship to weight, dietary intake, and physical activity changes over two years in a working population

The present study prospectively examined changes in dietary intake, physical activity and weight associated with self-reported efforts to lose weight in a cohort of 3671 men and women sampled from the general population. Dieting efforts, dietary intake, physical activity and weight were measured at two points in time, 24 months apart. At baseline, current dieters reported consuming fewer dairy products, sweets, meat, soft drinks and fried potatoes (all p's < .0001), and engaging more frequently in high-intensity physical activity (p < .0001) than those not currently dieting. At follow-up, current dieters reported consuming fewer sweets (p < .0001) and fried potatoes (p < .0008), and engaging more frequently in moderate-intensity physical activity (p < .02) than those not currently dieting. Prospectively, those who initiated weight-loss diets showed the largest decrease in consumption of sweets (p < .0001), soft drinks (p < .0001), and fried potatoes (p < .01), and increase in frequency of high-intensity physical activity (p < .0001) and moderate-intensity physical activity (p < .007). Those initiating weight-loss diets were the only group to lose weight (1 lb.). Those dieting at baseline but not at follow-up gained the most weight (4 lbs.). Self-reports of current dieting correspond to reported changes in dietary intake and physical activity, and to measured changes in weight over the same time period. Individuals who report dieting to lose weight have healthier eating and exercise patterns than those who do not report dieting.     

Disordered Eating and Unhealthy Weight Reduction Practices among Adolescent Females

Background.Dissatisfaction with body weight and the use of unhealthy weight reduction practices have been reported among adolescent females. There is a need for methodologically rigorous studies using large representative samples of adolescent females to accurately assess the prevalence of these behaviors and attitudes.Methods.Eight hundred sixty-nine Australian school girls ages 14–16 years were administered a self-report questionnaire to determine the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors, unhealthy dieting practices, and distorted body image. Anthropometric (height and weight) data were collected on each of these adolescent females.Results.The prevalences of disordered eating, unhealthy dieting, and distorted body image were 33, 57, and 12%, respectively. Over one-third (36%) of the total sample had used at least one “extreme” dieting method in the past month, i.e., “crash” dieting, fasting, slimming tablets, diuretics, laxatives, and/or cigarettes to lose weight. Of the total sample, 77% wanted to lose weight and 51% had tried to lose weight in the past month. Motivating factors for disordered eating and unhealthy dieting behaviors were peer pressure, media pressure, and the perception that extreme dieting strategies were harmless.Conclusion.The prevalence of disordered eating and dieting behaviors among adolescent females shown by this study suggests the need for preventive programs encouraging appropriate eating and dieting behaviors.     

A preliminary survey of dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating problems among high school cheerleaders

Cheerleading, a staple of American schools, has received little attention in scholarly research. This sport is considered "high risk" for development of eating disorders; therefore, female, high school cheerleaders (n = 156, mean age = 15.43 years) from the southeastern region were surveyed in this preliminary study to determine rates of dieting, body dissatisfaction, and eating problems. Almost one-half of the girls (46%) indicated they were currently trying to lose weight. Body dissatisfaction was significant by race [chi 2 (2, n = 153) = 9.270, p = .010] and was reported by 50% and 73.5% of Black and White girls, respectively. About 13% of girls had EAT-26 scores of 20 or higher (possible eating problems). On the Orientation to Exercise Questionnaire, a measure of subclinical eating disorders, those with eating problems (EAT-26 score of > or = 20) had significantly higher scores (M = 87.65, p = .0002) than those without problems (M = 76.05). Furthermore, scores increased by 69% for each unit increase in BMI (p = .0481, slope = +.6902). The cheerleaders did not appear at higher risk for eating problems than adolescent girls in general, but this age group is considered at "high risk" for eating disorders, so those who work with cheerleaders should be aware of warning signs.     

Black and White Adolescents'' Perceptions of Their Weight

Black and white adolescents' perceptions of their weight were examined in this study. A 22-item questionnaire on weight perceptions and weight control was administered to 341 adolescents from two inner city schools in the midwest (138 black and 193 white students). Students were classified as thin, normal, or heavy based on National Health Survey data on height and weight measurements for youth ages 12-17. Significant differences (p less than .05) occurred in how the heavy black and white males and females perceived their weight in comparison to actual weight. All heavy white females perceived they were heavy, in comparison to only 40% of heavy black females; 78% of heavy white males labeled themselves heavy vs. 36% of heavy black males. Thin black and white females were dieting and exercising to lose weight and thin white males were exercising to lose weight. Black males were significantly more likely to believe emotions did not affect their weight when compared to white males. Black females believed exercise levels accounted for their weight, while white females attributed their weight to eating habits. Beliefs about exercise and eating contributed 23% to the variance found in perceived weight status of black males. White males believed access to food and their emotions accounted for their perceived weight. Leading sources of weight control information regardless of ethnicity were television, family members, friends and magazines for females; males used TV, family members, and athletic coaches.     

Cognitive dietary restraint is associated with eating behaviors,lifestyle practices,personality characteristics and menstrual irregularity in college women

This study characterized associations of restraint with selected physical, lifestyle, personality and menstrual cycle characteristics in female university students. The survey instrument, distributed to 1350 women, included standardized questionnaires (Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale and Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale), and assessed weight and dieting history, exercise, lifestyle characteristics, menstrual cycle characteristics and whether participants were following vegetarian diets. Among the 596 respondents included in the analysis (44%), women with high (n=145), medium (n=262) or low (n=189) restraint had similar ages, heights and weights. Despite this, compared to women with low scores, those with high scores exercised more (4.6+/-5.3 vs. 3.2+/-3.5 h/wk), were more likely to be vegetarian (14.5 vs. 3.7%), have a history of eating disorders (13.7 vs. 1.2%), be currently trying to lose weight (80.3 vs. 15.3%), report irregular menstrual cycles (34.7 vs. 17.0%), and have scores reflecting lower self-esteem and higher perceived stress. Menstrual irregularity was an independent predictor of restraint score, and restraint score was the only variable to differentiate women with regular and irregular menstrual cycles. We conclude that women with high restraint may use a combination of behavioral strategies for weight control, and differ from women with low restraint scores in personality characteristics and weight history. Some of these behaviors or characteristics may influence menstrual function.     

Prevalence of pathogenic weight-control behaviors among native American women and girls

Results of a survey administered to 85 Native American girls and women, aged 12–55, revealed that 74% were trying to lose weight and that 75% of those who were dieting to lose weight were employing potentially hazardous techniques. The results also showed that 24% of the dieters used one or more purging behaviors. The mean age of those using pathogenic weight-control methods was 28.8 years. Subjects with higher body mass indexes were more likely to use dangerous weightcontrol methods. These findings suggest that Native American women should be included among the groups at risk for eating disorders and that older and heavier women in this population also should receive attention.