Applying Regulatory Focus Theory to Encourage Weight Loss in a Self-directed Intervention.

BACKGROUND: Regulatory focus theory proposes two self-regulatory systems: promotion focus-related to fulfilling aspirations and maximizing positive outcomes-and prevention focus-related to fulfilling responsibilities and avoiding negative outcomes. Building on research demonstrating associations between regulatory focus and weight outcomes, a proof-of-concept weight control intervention framed intervention procedures in terms of promotion or prevention focus and descriptively examined whether the impact of the intervention conditions depended on dispositional regulatory focus. METHODS: After random assignment to control (received pamphlet on diet and physical activity), promotion, or prevention conditions (1.5-hour baseline sessions; detailed manuals; 1-hour sessions at 3 months), community participants from a metropolitan area in the United States (N = 57; age M = 40; BMI M = 30.9) completed the Regulatory Focus Questionnaire and were weighed at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Longitudinal analysis was conducted with SAS Proc Mixed using restricted maximum likelihood estimation. RESULTS: Estimated weight change was -2.99 kg, 95% CI [-4.65, -1.32], in the promotion condition, -1.70 kg, 95% CI [-3.29, -0.12], in the prevention condition, and -0.18 kg, 95% CI [-1.42, 1.05], in the control condition. Exploratory analyses revealed that for relatively more promotion-focused participants, estimated weight change was -1.43 kg, 95% CI [-3.38, 0.51], in the promotion condition, +0.48 kg, 95% CI [-1.01, 1.97], in the prevention condition, and -1.09 kg, 95% CI [-2.32, 0.14], in the control condition. For relatively more prevention-focused participants, estimated weight change was -5.19 kg, 95% CI [-7.14, -3.25], in the promotion condition, -3.35 kg, 95% CI [-4.83, -1.86], in the prevention condition, and +0.42 kg, 95% CI [-0.81, 1.65], in the control condition. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that self-directed, promotion-focused interventions may be effective and that tailoring to self-regulatory dispositions may not be of additional benefit in initiating weight loss.

Weight outcomes of NU-HOME: a randomized controlled trial to prevent obesity among rural children.

BACKGROUND: Rural children are at greater obesity risk than their urban peers. The NU-HOME study is an innovative collaborative effort to prevent childhood obesity in rural communities. Weight outcomes of the NU-HOME study, a family-meal focused randomized controlled trial (RCT) are described. We hypothesized that compared to control group children, intervention group children would have significantly lower weight-related post-intervention (PI) outcomes. METHODS: Participants were 114 dyads (7-10 year-old rural children and a parent). In 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, research staff measured height, weight and body fat at baseline (BL) and PI. Families were randomized to intervention (n = 58) or control (n = 56) groups without blinding. Designed with Social Cognitive Theory and community engagement, the NU-HOME program included seven monthly sessions delivered in community settings and four goal-setting calls. The program engaged entire families to improve healthy eating, physical activity, family meals and the home food environment. Multiple linear and logistic regression models tested PI outcomes of child BMIz-score, percent body fat, percent over 50th percentile BMI, and overweight/obesity status by treatment group, adjusted for BL values and demographics (n = 102). RESULTS: No statistically significant intervention effects were seen for child BMIz or overweight/obesity status. However, a promising reduction in boys' percent body fat (- 2.1, 95% CI [- 4.84, 0.63]) was associated with the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings were in the hypothesized direction, making significant impacts on weight-related outcomes remains challenging in community trials. Comprehensive family-focused programming may require intensive multi-pronged interventions to mitigate complex factors associated with excess weight gain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with NIH ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02973815 .

Are patterns of family evening meal practices associated with child and parent diet quality and weight-related outcomes?

Family meal practices such as family member presence, fast food consumption and media usage have been associated with health outcomes. However, little is known about combinations of family meal practices and their effects on diet and health. This secondary data analysis aimed to identify patterns of family evening meal practices and examine their associations with family characteristics (e.g., demographics and chaos) and child and parent diet quality and weight-related outcomes. We used baseline data from a community-based randomized controlled trial with 7- to 10-year-old children and their parents in rural Minnesota (n = 114). Parent-reported structural (e.g. media usage) and interpersonal (e.g. mealtime routines) aspects of family evening meal practices were included in latent profile analyses to identify patterns. Diet quality was assessed by child Healthy Eating Index-2015 and parent fruit and vegetable intake. Weight-related outcomes were determined using measured body mass index (z-scores) and percent body fat. A 3-class model was the model of best-fit. The Unplanned Infrequent Family Evening Meals with Mixed Healthfulness class (C1) featured the least frequent family evening meals and the lowest scores for mealtime routines and planning skills. The Family Evening Meals with Fast Food class (C2) characterized having family evening meals four times a week, but fast food was often served. The Planful, Healthful and Frequent Family Evening Meals class (C3) reported the highest meal routine and planning scores as well as frequent family evening meals. Parents in C3 had higher consumption of fruits and vegetables and children in C3 had lower percent body fat, compared to those in other classes. Distinctly different patterns of family evening meal practices suggest a need for considering heterogeneity of family evening meal practices in developing tailored family-meal interventions.

Associations of parent dietary role modeling with children's diet quality in a rural setting: Baseline data from the NU-HOME study.

These analyses examined associations of parent dietary role modeling with diet quality among school-age children in a rural community. Past research has found protective associations between parent role modeling and children's dietary intake; however, there is a gap in understanding these associations for families in rural communities. Baseline data (2017 -2018) were drawn from the New Ulm at Home (NU-HOME) randomized controlled trial, conducted in the United States. The trial recruited 114 children (7-10 years old) and parents. Parents self-reported dietary intake [fruit and vegetable (FV), sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB), fast food (FF)] and frequency of sitting and eating with their child. Children reported parent role modeling of healthful eating (FV and salad at the evening meal; FV as snacks). Two 24-h dietary recalls assessed child diet quality indicators [Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) total scores, FV intake, SSB intake]. General linear models (GLM) and logistic regression analyzed associations of child diet quality (HEI score, FV intake, SSB intake) with parent dietary intake, parent sitting and eating the evening meal with their child, and child perceptions of parent role modeling healthful eating, adjusted for highest level of education in the home. Higher child HEI-2015 scores were positively associated with more frequent parent role modeling of fruit intake at meals, and inversely associated with more frequent parent role modeling of fruit as a snack; no significant associations of child FV intake with parent role modeling were observed. Higher child SSB intake was positively associated with parent FF intake. In this rural community, parents play significant roles in shaping children's dietary quality and intake, though more work needs to be done to address optimal intervention strategies to promote parent role modeling of healthful eating.

State body dissatisfaction predicts momentary positive and negative affect but not weight control behaviors: an ecological momentary assessment study.

PURPOSE: Body dissatisfaction is ubiquitous in our society and leads to eating disorders. Longitudinal research suggests that higher body dissatisfaction predicts higher negative affect and unhealthy weight control behaviors over time. However, no study has assessed how body dissatisfaction impacts affect and weight control behaviors in the moment. In the current study, we examined the momentary relationships between body dissatisfaction, affect and weight control behaviors using ecological momentary assessment. METHODS: Female college students (N = 67) completed measures of state body dissatisfaction, affect, and weight control behaviors across fourteen days using ecological momentary assessment. RESULTS: Greater body dissatisfaction significantly predicted lower subsequent positive affect and higher subsequent negative affect, but positive and negative affect did not predict subsequent body dissatisfaction. Daily average body dissatisfaction was not significantly associated with daily engagement in either healthy or unhealthy weight control behaviors. CONCLUSION: Short-term negative effects of body dissatisfaction on affect were apparent. Targeting body dissatisfaction may be important for improving affect. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, multiple time series without intervention.

Associations between parent and child physical activity and eating behaviours in a diverse sample: an ecological momentary assessment study.

OBJECTIVE: This study is a secondary data analysis that examines the association between parent modelling of dietary intake and physical activity and the same child behaviours among different races/ethnicities using innovative, rigorous and objective measures. DESIGN: Ecological momentary assessment surveys were sent to parents to assess whether their child had seen them exercise or consume food. Dietary recall data and accelerometry were used to determine dietary intake and physical activity behaviours of children. SETTING: Participants were randomly selected from primary care clinics, serving low-income and racially/ethnically diverse families in Minnesota, USA. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were families with children aged 5-7 years old who lived with parents 50 % of the time and shared at least one meal together. RESULTS: A 10 percentage point higher prevalence in parent modelling of fruit and vegetable intake was associated with 0·12 higher serving intake of those same foods in children. The prevalence of parent modelling of eating energy dense foods (10 % prevalence units) was associated with 0·09 higher serving intake of sugar-sweetened beverages. Furthermore, accelerometry-measured parent sedentary hours was strongly correlated with child sedentary time (0·37 child sedentary hours per parent sedentary hours). An exploratory interaction analysis did not reveal any statistical evidence that these relationships depended on the child's race/ethnic background. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that increase parent modelling of healthy eating and minimise modelling of energy dense foods may have favourable effects on child dietary quality. Additionally, future research is needed to clarify the associations of parent modelling of physical activity and children's physical activity levels.

Leveraging Interdisciplinary Teams to Develop and Implement Secure Websites for Behavioral Research: Applied Tutorial.

Behavioral researchers are increasingly using interactive digital platforms, either as standalone or supplementary intervention tools, to facilitate positive changes in research participants' health habits. Research-oriented interactive websites optimally offer a variety of participatory mediums, such as blogs, user-driven content, or health activities. Owing to the multidirectional features of interactive websites, and a corresponding need to protect research participants' identity and data, it is paramount that researchers design ethical platforms that ensure privacy and minimize loss of anonymity and confidentiality. Authentication (ie, digital verification of one's identity) of interactive sites is one viable solution to these concerns. Although previous publications have addressed ethical requirements related to authenticated platforms, few applied guidelines in the literature facilitate adherence to ethical principles and legally compliant study protocols during all phases of research website creation (feasibility, design, implementation, and maintenance). Notably, to remain compliant with ethical standards and study protocols, behavioral researchers must collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure that the authenticated site remains secure and usable in all stages of the project. In this tutorial, we present a case study conducted at a large research university. Through iterative and practical recommendations, we detail lessons learned from collaborations with the Institutional Review Board, legal experts, and information technology teams. Although the intricacies of our applied tutorial may require adaptations based on each institution's technological capacity, we are confident that the core takeaways are universal and thus useful to behavioral researchers creating ethically responsible and compliant interactive websites.

Results of a 2-year randomized, controlled obesity prevention trial: Effects on diet, activity and sleep behaviors in an at-risk young adult population.

Excess weight gain tends to occur in young adulthood. However, research examining effective weight-related interventions for this age group has been limited. As one of seven trials in the EARLY Trials consortium (Early Adult Reduction of weight through LifestYle intervention), the CHOICES Study (Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings) tested effects of a technology-integrated, young adult weight gain prevention intervention. It was a randomized controlled trial with assessments at baseline (2011) and 4-, 12- and 24-months post-intervention initiation and included 441 participants (ages 18-35) who were students at three Minnesota community colleges. The 24-month intervention included a 1-credit academic course and social networking and support online intervention. This analysis examined effects on 12 secondary behavioral outcomes across three domains: diet (fast food, sugary beverages, breakfast, at-home meal preparation), physical activity/screen time (minutes and energy expenditure in leisure time physical activity, television viewing, leisure time computer use) and sleep (hours of sleep, time required to fall asleep, days not getting enough rest, difficulty staying awake). The intervention resulted in significant reductions in fast food (p=0.007) but increases in difficulty staying awake (p=0.015). There was limited evidence of other behavior changes at 4months (0.05

Self-weighing behavior in individuals with eating disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of self-weighing and reactions to prescribed weekly weighing among individuals with eating disorder (ED) diagnoses, and to compare individuals weighing more or less frequently on mass index (BMI) and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) subscales. METHOD: Baseline EDE and demographics from five studies (N = 758). RESULTS: Self-weighing was most frequent among individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN), followed by those with bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorder (BED). On average, participants reacted moderately negative to prescribed weekly weighing. No relationship between weighing frequency and BMI was evident in any sample. There was indication of greater pathology (i.e., restraint, shape concern, weight concern, global) in AN with more frequent weighing. In BN, mixed evidence emerged to support a relationship between more frequent weighing and higher shape concern, weight concern, and global score. In BED, higher restraint was found in those who weighed versus those who did not. DISCUSSION: Weighing frequency in each eating disorder (ED) sample was to some extent associated with greater ED severity, but not BMI. Future research should examine relationships between self-weighing, reactions to changing weighing frequency, and ED symptomatology in both ED and non-ED groups to understand the impact of self-weighing in heterogeneous populations. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2016; 49:817-821).

Recruiting and retaining young adults in a weight gain prevention trial: Lessons learned from the CHOICES study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Young adults are at risk of weight gain, but little is known about designing effective weight control trials for young adults or how to recruit and retain participants in these programs. The Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings (CHOICES) study evaluated the effectiveness of a weight gain prevention intervention for 2-year college students. We describe the methods used to recruit and retain the colleges and their students, describe the sample and discuss recommendations for future studies. METHODS: Students were recruited into a 24-month trial of a weight control intervention with assessment periods at baseline, 4-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. RESULTS: We successfully recruited 441 students through partnerships with three 2-year colleges through a variety of campus-based methods. Ultimately, 83.4% of the randomized cohort participated in the 24-month assessment period. Those retained more often were White (p = 0.03) compared to those who dropped out or were lost to follow-up; no other socio-demographic factor (e.g. gender, ethnicity and education), body mass index, body fat, waist circumference or weight status was observed to differ between randomly assigned groups. CONCLUSION: Two-year colleges and their students are interested in participating in weight-related trials and partnering with universities for research. Researchers must work closely with administrators to identify benefits to their institutions and to resolve student-level barriers to recruitment and retention. Our experiences from the Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings study should be useful in identifying effective recruitment and retention methods for weight gain prevention trials among young adults.

A 2-year young adult obesity prevention trial in the US: Process evaluation results.

Our objective was to conduct a process evaluation of the CHOICES (Choosing Healthy Options in College Environments and Settings) study, a large, randomized, controlled trial designed to prevent unhealthy weight gain in young adults (aged 18-35) attending 2-year community colleges in the USA. The 24-month intervention consisted of participation in an academic course and a social networking and support website. Among intervention participants, completion rates for most course activities were >80%, reflecting a high level of dose received. Course retention and participant satisfaction were also high. Engagement results, however, were mixed with less than half of participants in the online and hybrid sections of the course reporting that they interacted with course materials ≥3 h/week, but 50-75% reporting that they completed required lessons 'all/very thoroughly'. Engagement in the website activities was also mixed with more than half of intervention participants logging onto the website during the first month, but then declining to 25-40% during the following 23 months of the intervention. Intervention engagement is a challenge of online interventions and a challenge of working with the young adult age group in general. Additional research is needed to explore strategies to support engagement among this population, particularly for relatively long intervention durations.

Environmental modifications and 2-year measured and self-reported stair-use: a worksite randomized trial.

Environmental modifications have been shown to increase short-term stair use, longer-term success is unclear. This study assessed the 2-year effectiveness of an environmental intervention promoting worksite stair use. We assessed stair use at work by means of self-reports and infrared beam counters (which send a safe and invisible beam of infrared light from one side of a stairwell to a reflector on the other side; when an individual uses the stairs, the infrared beam is disrupted and an instance of stair use is recorded) at six worksites (three intervention, three control) in a group randomized, controlled worksite weight-gain prevention trial in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. Intervention modifications were signs encouraging stair use, music, and art posters in stairwells. We collected data before environmental modifications (2006-2007) and at the end of the 2-year intervention (2008-2009). The intervention had a significant positive effect on stair use measured both objectively and via self-report, with greatest increases reported among those participants who used the stairs least at baseline. Following 2-years of continuously-maintained stairwell modifications, increases in both objectively-measured and self-reported stair use were significantly larger at intervention than control worksites. Study findings suggest that the positive impact of environmental modifications on stair use persist over a longer time period than has been previously demonstrated. Results also indicate that infrequent stair users may be most amenable to the behavior changes encouraged by these environmental enhancements.

Parent Weight, Diet, Active Living, and Food-Related Outcomes of the Family-Focused:NU-HOME Randomized Controlled Trial: NU-HOME Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about parent outcomes of rural, family-focused childhood obesity prevention trials. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate parent outcomes of the rural, family-focused NU-HOME (New Ulm at HOME [Healthy Offerings via the Mealtime Environment]) randomized controlled trial designed to prevent obesity in children aged 7 through 10 years. DESIGN: Families were randomized to the intervention or wait-list control group after baseline data collection. Staff measured parent height, weight, and percent body fat. Surveys measured parent cognitive and behavioral outcomes (eg, portion-size confidence, dietary intake, total and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and screen time). Post-intervention data were collected 8 to 10 months after baseline. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The randomized controlled trial took place in rural, south central Minnesota, and enrolled parent and child dyads (N = 114; 2017-2018); 98 parents provided data at post intervention (2018-2019) and comprise the analytic sample. Parent inclusion criteria were being the primary meal preparer, living with the child most of the time, and being willing to attend intervention sessions. Exclusion criteria were planning to move or having a medical condition that would contraindicate participation. INTERVENTION: The theory-guided intervention (7 sessions and 4 goal-setting calls) focused on family eating and active living behaviors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Height, weight, and percent body fat were measured and the survey assessed diet, active living, and food-related outcomes. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple linear regression models tested change in parent outcomes from baseline to post intervention by treatment group adjusted for demographic characteristics and baseline values. RESULTS: In the intervention group vs control group, parent total weekly hours of physical activity was 1.73 hours higher (95% CI 0.11 to 3.35 hours) and portion-size confidence was 1.49 points higher (95% CI 0.78 to 2.19). No other statistically significant changes were observed by treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that parent cognitive and behavioral outcomes are amenable to change in family-focused childhood obesity prevention programs. Parent increases in portion-size confidence and total physical activity hours may support long-term parent health and provide positive context for child health.

HealthWorks: results of a multi-component group-randomized worksite environmental intervention trial for weight gain prevention.

BACKGROUND: U.S. adults are at unprecedented risk of becoming overweight or obese, and most scientists believe the primary cause is an obesogenic environment. Worksites provide an opportunity to shape the environments of adults to reduce obesity risk. The goal of this group-randomized trial was to implement a four-component environmental intervention at the worksite level to positively influence weight gain among employees over a two-year period. Environmental components focused on food availability and price, physical activity promotion, scale access, and media enhancements. METHODS: Six worksites in a U.S. metropolitan area were recruited and randomized in pairs at the worksite level to either a two-year intervention or a no-contact control. Evaluations at baseline and two years included: 1) measured height and weight; 2) online surveys of individual dietary intake and physical activity behaviors; and 3) detailed worksite environment assessment. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 42.9 years (range 18-75), 62.6% were women, 68.5% were married or cohabiting, 88.6% were white, 2.1% Hispanic. Mean baseline BMI was 28.5 kg/m(2) (range 16.9-61.2 kg/m(2)). A majority of intervention components were successfully implemented. However, there were no differences between sites in the key outcome of weight change over the two-year study period (p = .36). CONCLUSIONS: Body mass was not significantly affected by environmental changes implemented for the trial. Results raise questions about whether environmental change at worksites is sufficient for population weight gain prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00708461.

Self-weighing frequency is associated with weight gain prevention over 2 years among working adults.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between self-weighing frequency and weight gain prevention, particularly in worksite populations. PURPOSE: The degree to which self-weighing frequency predicted 2-year body weight change in working adults was examined. METHOD: The association between self-weighing frequency (monthly or less, weekly, daily, or more) and 24-month weight change was analyzed in a prospective cohort analysis (n = 1,222) as part of the larger HealthWorks trial. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction between follow-up self-weighing frequency and baseline body mass index. The difference in weight change ranged from -4.4 ± 0.8 kg weight loss among obese daily self-weighers to 2.1 ± 0.4 kg weight gain for participants at a healthy weight who reported monthly self-weighing. CONCLUSION: More frequent self-weighing seemed to be most beneficial for obese individuals. These findings may aid in the refinement of self-weighing frequency recommendations used in the context of weight management interventions.

Obesity, depression, and health services costs among middle-aged women.

BACKGROUND: Both obesity and depression have been associated with significant increases in health care costs. Previous research has not examined whether cost increases associated with obesity could be explained by confounding effects of depression. OBJECTIVE: Examine whether the association between obesity and health care costs is explained by co-occurring depression. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study including telephone survey and linkage to health plan records. PARTICIPANTS: 4462 women aged 40 to 65 enrolled in prepaid health plan in the Pacific Northwest. MAIN MEASURES: The telephone survey included self-report of height and weight and measurement of depression by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9). Survey data were linked to health plan cost accounting records. KEY RESULTS: Compared to women with BMI less than 25, proportional increases in health care costs were 65% (95% CI 41% to 93%) for women with BMI 30 to 35 and 157% (95% CI 91% to 246%) for women with BMI of 35 or more. Adjustment for co-occurring symptoms of depression reduced these proportional differences to 40% (95% CI 18% to 66%) and 87% (95% CI 42% to 147%), respectively. Cost increases associated with obesity were spread across all major categories of health services (primary care visits, outpatient prescriptions, inpatient medical services, and specialty mental health care). CONCLUSIONS: Among middle-aged women, both obesity and depression are independently associated with substantially higher health care costs. These cost increases are spread across the full range of outpatient and inpatient health services. Given the high prevalence of obesity, cost increases of this magnitude have major policy and public health importance.

A randomized controlled trial of behavioral weight loss treatment versus combined weight loss/depression treatment among women with comorbid obesity and depression.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with clinical depression among women. However, depressed women are often excluded from weight loss trials. PURPOSE: This study examined treatment outcomes among women with comorbid obesity and depression. METHODS: Two hundred three (203) women were randomized to behavioral weight loss (n = 102) or behavioral weight loss combined with cognitive-behavioral depression management (n = 101). RESULTS: Average participant age was 52 years; mean baseline body mass index was 39 kg/m(2). Mean Patient Health Questionnaire and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-20) scores indicated moderate to severe baseline depression. Weight loss and SCL-20 changes did not differ between groups at 6 or 12 months in intent-to-treat analyses (p = 0.26 and 0.55 for weight, p = 0.70 and 0.25 for depressive symptoms). CONCLUSIONS: Depressed obese women lost weight and demonstrated improved mood in both treatment programs. Future weight loss trials are encouraged to enroll depressed women.

Testing a brief self-directed behavioral weight control program.

Clinical obesity treatments are of limited reach. Self-directed weight control attempts are common, but little attention has been given to providing guidance for such efforts in the population. The present research tests a brief intervention approach to weight control. Pilot data were collected from 66 University of Minnesota employees (72.7% women, 81.8% white) randomized to an assessment-only control condition or a single intervention session to teach empirically valid self-directed weight-control methods. Mean baseline weight was 87.1 kilograms (range 64.0-120.3 kilograms). Though statistically nonsignificant, intervention participants averaged greater weight loss by 6 months than controls (-.80 kilograms vs. -.19 kilograms), F(1, 44)=.47, p=.50, Cohen's d=.21. There was a significant group×time interaction for self-weighing frequency, F(2, 41)=10.84, p<.001. With some enhancement and more attention to dissemination, a brief self-directed program has potential as a useful approach to population weight-gain prevention.

Affect and engagement in healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors in college women: An ecological momentary assessment study.

PURPOSE: The relationships between momentary affect and weight control behaviors have been extensively studied in samples of individuals with eating disorders, but we do not know that the established relationships translate to healthy college women. The current study examined the relationship between affect and weight control behaviors in healthy college women. METHOD: Female college students (N = 67) completed measures of negative affect, positive affect, healthy weight control behaviors, and unhealthy weight control behaviors across fourteen days using ecological momentary assessment. RESULTS: Average daily negative affect was inversely associated with daily engagement in unhealthy weight control behaviors, but was not associated with healthy weight control behaviors. Average daily positive affect was not associated with daily engagement in healthy or unhealthy weight control behaviors. CONCLUSION: Negative affect was inversely associated with engagement in unhealthy weight control behaviors in this female undergraduate sample. Future studies should continue to elucidate the differences in the relationships in samples of individuals with ED psychopathology vs. healthy samples.