From Restriction to Intuition: Evaluating Intuitive Eating in a Sample of the General Population.

Intuitive eating (IE) is a non-dieting approach that promotes listening to internal cues of hunger and satiety, rather than adhering to external dietary restrictions aimed at weight loss. However, the role of IE in dieting behaviors related to weight-loss approaches is still unclear. To address this issue, the aim of this study was to compare IE levels between dieting and non-dieting individuals, exploring the relationship between IE and dieting-related psychological and physical factors. A sample of 2059 females was recruited via social media and self-reported questionnaires were administered to measure IE, eating psychopathology, self-efficacy, and quality of life. Individuals with a history of dieting exhibited lower IE levels, a higher BMI, and a greater eating psychopathology, as well as a reduced self-efficacy and quality of life, compared to non-dieters. IE showed a protective effect against dieting behaviors, with higher IE levels being associated with a lower likelihood of dieting. Additionally, higher BMI and eating psychopathology were predictors of dieting. Promoting IE could represent a relevant clinical target strategy to address disordered eating and enhance overall well-being, underscoring the need for interventions that foster a healthier relationship with food and bodily internal sensations.

Hedonic hunger, eating behavior, and food reward and preferences 1 year after initial weight loss by diet or bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate changes in hedonic hunger, eating behavior, and food reward and preferences at 1-year (1Y) follow-up after an initial weight loss (WL) induced by a 10-week, very low-energy diet alone (controls) or in combination with bariatric surgery. METHODS: Patients scheduled for sleeve gastrectomy or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and controls were recruited. Body weight/composition, hedonic hunger (Power of Food Scale), eating behavior traits (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire), and food reward and preferences (computerized behavioral task) were measured at baseline, 11 weeks, and 1Y follow-up. RESULTS: Changes in anthropometric variables were comparable across groups in the initial phase (week 11), and hedonic hunger decreased overall. The bariatric-surgery groups continued to lose body weight and fat mass, whereas weight regain was seen in controls at 1Y follow-up. Decreases in emotional eating, hunger, disinhibition, and food reward and increases in dietary restraint were seen at 1Y follow-up in the bariatric-surgery groups only. CONCLUSIONS: Continued WL with bariatric surgery is paralleled by favorable changes in eating behavior and food reward and preferences. By contrast, controls experienced weight regain at 1Y follow-up and no changes in eating behavior. These striking differences are likely to be important in the long-term WL management of individuals with severe obesity.

Youth's energy intake during a laboratory-based loss-of-control eating paradigm: Associations with reported current dieting.

Dieting is theorized as a risk factor for loss-of-control (LOC)-eating (i.e., feeling a sense of lack of control while eating). Support for this association has largely relied on retrospective self-report data, which does not always correlate with objectively assessed eating behavior in youth. We hypothesized that during a laboratory-based LOC-eating paradigm, children and adolescents who reported current (at the time of the visit) dieting would consume meals consistent with LOC-eating (greater caloric intake, and intake of carbohydrates and fats, but less intake of protein). Participants were presented with a buffet-style meal and instructed to "Let yourself go and eat as much as you want." Current dieting (i.e., any deliberate change to the amount or type of food eaten to influence shape or weight, regardless of how effective the changes are) was assessed via interview. General linear models were adjusted for fat mass (%), lean mass (kg), height, sex, protocol, race and ethnicity, pre-meal hunger and minutes since consumption of a breakfast shake. Of 337 participants (Mage 12.8 ± 2.7y; 62.3 % female; 45.7 % non- Hispanic White and 26.1 % non-Hispanic Black; MBMIz 0.78 ± 1.11), only 33 (9.8 %) reported current dieting. Current dieting was not significantly associated with total energy intake (F = 1.63, p = .20, ηp2 = 0.005), or intake from carbohydrates (F = 2.45, p = .12, ηp2 = 0.007), fat (F = 2.65, p = .10, ηp2 = 0.008), or protein (F = 0.39, p = .53, ηp2 = 0.001). Contrary to theories that dieting promotes LOC-eating, current dieting was not associated with youth's eating behavior in a laboratory setting. Experimental approaches for investigating dieting are needed to test theories that implicate dieting in pediatric LOC-eating.

Body dissatisfaction and dieting among Finnish adolescents: a 20-year population-based time-trend study.

Body image has an important role in the health and development of adolescents. Body dissatisfaction and dieting can become chronic and continue into adulthood. There is a lack of recent, comprehensive studies on ongoing trends on body dissatisfaction. This study assessed time-trend changes in self-reported body dissatisfaction and dieting among Finnish adolescents at four assessment points. Representative samples of adolescents (N = 6660) aged 13-16 years participated in school-based, cross-sectional studies in 1998 (N = 1458), 2008 (N = 2044), 2014 (N = 1809), and 2018 (N = 1349), respectively. The studies were similar in design, methodology, and geographical recruitment areas. Body dissatisfaction and dieting were assessed with a questionnaire including items derived from the DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa. From 1998 to 2018, dieting and fears related to gaining weight decreased among females. Body dissatisfaction reduced among females, and their wishes to become thinner became less prevalent. Consuming large amounts of food at one time consistently decreased among females and males and there were no changes in the rates of willful vomiting. The number of females in the 90th percentile with the most severe symptoms decreased. The results indicate that body dissatisfaction and disturbed dieting improved among females during the 20-year study. Despite these positive developments, the overall level of symptoms among females remained substantial, indicating that females have much higher levels of body dissatisfaction and dieting than males.

Impact of lifestyle modifications on snoring and mild sleep apnoea patients.

OBJECTIVE: Behavioural modification through increasing nutritional awareness, along with customised dietary changes and education about physical inactivity, for obese snorers and mildly sleep apnoeic patients would help improve their quality of life. METHODS: A one-year prospective interventional study enrolled snorers and/or mild obstructive sleep apnoea sufferers, with 36 patients each in the test group and control group. Nutritional information and tailor-made diet charts were given to the 36 test subjects. The severity of snoring and daytime sleepiness after 6 and 12 months was compared using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Thornton Snoring Scale as measures of quality of life. RESULTS: Subjective scores on both scales showed highly significant improvement (p ≤ 0.001) in the test group. No significant improvement was seen in the control group. CONCLUSION: Awareness of basic nutrition and customised diet plans help to achieve behavioural modification in the long term, resulting in a better quality of life.

Dieting and Disinhibited Eating Patterns in Adult Women with Normal Body Weight: Does Rumination Matter?

Dieting and disinhibited eating patterns are presented in both clinical and nonclinical samples. Repetitive negative thinking (i.e., rumination) may lead to maladaptive eating behaviors. While numerous studies have focused on dieting and disinhibited eating behaviors in clinical samples, less is known about these behaviors in nonclinical samples with normal body weight. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore how dieting, uncontrolled eating and emotional eating are related to rumination in adult women with normal body weight. One hundred eighty-eight women (Mage = 29.46 ± 8.94; MBMI = 23.16 ± 4.04) were involved in the current study. The Eating Attitudes Test, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-R18 and the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire were administered to the participants. The results showed that repetitive negative thinking was a partial mediator in the relationship between dieting and uncontrolled eating, as well as in the relationship between dieting and emotional eating. Targeting repetitive negative thinking may be important for reducing disinhibited eating patterns in women with normal body weight.

Weight Management Efforts, But Not Weight Perceptions, Are Associated with Dietary Quality among Youth and Young Adults in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Efforts to lose, gain, or maintain weight are prevalent among youth and young adults, but little is known about the relationship between weight management efforts and dietary quality. Attempts to manage weight are typically driven by weight perceptions, which may also uniquely affect overall diet. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to explore sex-stratified associations between weight management efforts and perceptions with dietary quality among youth and young adults. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey data were drawn from Wave 1 (2016) of the Canada Food Study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Youth and young adults (n = 3,000), aged 16 to 30 years, were recruited from community settings in five Canadian cities and completed the online survey. The analytic sample consisted of 2,040 participants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) was used to characterize dietary quality among participants who completed a 24-hour recall. Respondents reported their weight change efforts over the past year and their weight perception. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Sex-stratified multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate relationships between each of weight management efforts and perceptions, separately, and dietary quality, controlling for known covariates. RESULTS: The HEI-2015 mean score was 52 of 100 possible points. Nearly one quarter of male and female respondents reported not trying to do anything about their weight, whereas 16% reported trying to maintain, 28% and 5% trying to gain, and 33% and 55% trying to lose weight, respectively. Most respondents (63% of males and 66% of females) perceived their weight as just about right. Among males, trying to gain or maintain weight were each significantly associated with higher HEI-2015 mean scores compared with not trying to manage weight (P < .01 and <.001, respectively), whereas this relationship existed only for weight maintenance among female respondents (P < .01). Weight perceptions and HEI-2015 mean scores were not significantly related. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to manage weight, which are commonplace among youth and young adults, are associated with dietary quality. Future behavioral research may provide insights into strategies used by youth to manage weight, guiding interventions that recognize links among weight-related behaviors, dietary quality, and other determinants of health.

The Effects of a 12-Month Weight Loss Intervention on Cognitive Outcomes in Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

Obesity is associated with poorer executive functioning and reward sensitivity. Yet, we know very little about whether weight loss through diet and/or increased exercise engagement improves cognitive function. This study evaluated whether weight loss following a dietary and exercise intervention was associated with improved cognitive performance. We enrolled 125 middle-aged adults with overweight and obesity (98 female) into a 12-month behavioral weight loss intervention. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: energy-restricted diet alone, an energy-restricted diet plus 150 min of moderate intensity exercise per week or an energy restricted diet plus 250 min of exercise per week. All participants completed tests measuring executive functioning and/or reward sensitivity, including the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Following the intervention, weight significantly decreased in all groups. A MANCOVA controlling for age, sex and race revealed a significant multivariate effect of group on cognitive changes. Post-hoc ANCOVAs revealed a Group x Time interaction only on IGT reward sensitivity, such that the high exercise group improved their performance relative to the other two intervention groups. Post-hoc ANCOVAs also revealed a main effect of Time, independent of intervention group, on IGT net payoff score. Changes in weight were not associated with other changes in cognitive performance. Engaging in a high amount of exercise improved reward sensitivity above and beyond weight loss alone. This suggests that there is additional benefit to adding exercise into behavioral weight loss regimens on executive functioning, even without additional benefit to weight loss.

Psychological Factors of Long-Term Dietary and Physical Activity Adherence among Chinese Adults with Overweight and Obesity in a Community-Based Lifestyle Modification Program: A Mixed-Method Study.

There is a paucity of research on factors influencing long-term adherence to lifestyle modification. We conducted a mixed-method study to explore the psychological factors of dietary and physical activity (PA) adherence among Chinese adults with overweight and obesity at 10 months after enrollment of a community-based lifestyle modification program in Hong Kong. We recruited Chinese adults newly enrolled in a culturally adapted lifestyle modification program and followed them for 10 months. For the quantitative study, primary outcomes were dietary and PA adherence scores while secondary outcomes included knowledge, self-efficacy, motivation and stage of change. For the qualitative study, data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation. A total of 140 participants completed the 10-month follow-up. They reported moderate level of dietary adherence but low level of PA adherence at 10 months. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that greater improvement in nutrition knowledge and diet stage of change predicted higher dietary adherence while greater improvement in PA self-efficacy and PA stage of change predicted higher PA adherence. Qualitative data on 26 participants suggest that participants' knowledge and self-efficacy but not motivation were enhanced during the program. The findings of this study enhanced our understanding on factors influencing long-term adherence to lifestyle changes.

"An Important Part of Who I am": The Predictors of Dietary Adherence among Weight-Loss, Vegetarian, Vegan, Paleo, and Gluten-Free Dietary Groups.

Weight-loss diets are notorious for their low adherence, which is a barrier to efforts to reduce population rates of overweight and obesity. However, there is some evidence that adherence is better among people on other kinds of diets, such as vegan and gluten free. This study aimed to explore the predictors of dietary adherence across five restrictive dietary patterns (vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, and weight loss). This study used both qualitative and quantitative methods among 292 adult community members who were following a restrictive dietary pattern. Personality, mental health, and motivational predictors of adherence were examined. Substantial differences in adherence were found between dietary groups, with vegans and vegetarians being particularly high in adherence and gluten-free and weight-loss dieters being comparably low. Four consistent predictors of adherence across different dietary patterns were supported in both the quantitative and qualitative analyses. Self-efficacy and social identification with one's dietary group positively predicted adherence. Conversely, being motivated in one's dietary choices by mood or by weight control negatively predicted adherence. These findings speak to the importance of social and motivational factors in determining adherence. The results also illustrate the utility of looking beyond weight-loss dieters and virtuous individual traits for insights into how adherence may be improved.

The Effects of the Type of Exercise and Physical Activity on Eating Behavior and Body Composition in Overweight and Obese Subjects.

The aim of this study was to examine whether a type of exercise favors better compliance with a prescribed diet, higher eating-related motivation, healthier diet composition or greater changes in body composition in overweight and obese subjects. One hundred and sixty-two (males n = 79), aged 18-50 years, were randomized into four intervention groups during 24 weeks: strength, endurance, combined strength + endurance and guideline-based physical activity; all in combination with a 25-30% caloric restriction diet. A food frequency questionnaire and a "3-day food and drink record" were applied pre- and post-intervention. Diet and exercise-related motivation levels were evaluated with a questionnaire developed for this study. Body composition was assessed by DXA and habitual physical activity was measured by accelerometry. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage decreased and lean body mass increased after the intervention, without differences by groups. No interactions were observed between intervention groups and time; all showing a decreased in energy intake (p < 0.001). Carbohydrate and protein intakes increased, and fat intake decreased from pre- to post-intervention without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI category or gender (p < 0.001). Diet-related motivation showed a tendency to increase from pre- to post-intervention (70.0 ± 0.5 vs 71.0 ± 0.6, p = 0.053), without significant interactions with intervention groups, BMI or gender. Regarding motivation for exercise, gender x time interactions were observed (F(1,146) = 7.452, p = 0.007): Women increased their motivation after the intervention (pre: 17.6 ± 0.3, post: 18.2 ± 0.3), while men maintained it. These findings suggest that there are no substantial effects of exercise type on energy intake, macronutrient selection or body composition changes. After a six-month weight loss program, individuals did not reduce their motivation related to diet or exercise, especially women. Individuals who initiate a long-term exercise program do not increase their energy intake in a compensatory fashion, if diet advices are included.

Porcentaje de grasa corporal en adolescentes asociado con conductas alimentarias de riesgo, hogar y sexo / Body fat percentage in adolescent among eating risk behaviors, home and sex

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la asociación de las conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) y el hogar con el porcentaje de grasa corporal (PGC) en los adolescentes, modificado por sexo. Material y métodos: Se analizó la información de una cohorte de 2 388 adolescentes de Morelos, México, de 2004 a 2007. Se realizaron técnicas descriptivas y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple de efectos mixtos. Resultados: El cambio del PGC es -1.4 puntos porcentuales (EE 0.22), en hombres -3.1 (EE 0.35) y en mujeres 0.2 (EE 0.21). El cambio del PGC en relación con CAR y el hogar es diferente por sexo. El modelo múltiple muestra que realizar dieta se asocia con el incremento del PGC (1.25 IC95% 0.68-1.83) en mujeres y en hombres (1.74 IC95% 0.60-2.88). En relación con la familia, las mujeres muestran una relación positiva con el incremento del PGC de acuerdo con que sientan o no que su familia no las quiere a veces o nunca (valor p de tendencia <0.001); los hombres muestran en la variable de "Satisfecho de la ayuda que recibe se su familia" una asociación marginal. Conclusiones: Realizar dieta sin supervisión se asocia con el incremento en el PGC, lo que da un efecto contrario a lo deseado; esto se asocia con relaciones familiares y es diferente entre sexo.

Abstract: Objective: To determine the association of risky eating behaviors and the home with the percentage of body fat in adolescents, modified by gender. Materials and methods: We analyzed the information of a cohort of 2 388 adolescents from Morelos in Mexico, from 2004 to 2007. Descriptive techniques and multiple linear regression models of mixed effects were performed. Results: The change in body fat percentage (PGC) is -1.4 percentage points, in men -3.1, in women 0.2. The change of the PGC in relation to CAR's and the household is different by sex. The multiple model shows that diet is associated with an increase in PGC (1.25 IC95% 0.68-1.83) in women, in men of 1.74 (95% CI 0.60-2.88). In relation with the family, women show a positive relationship with the increase in the percentage of body fat according to whether they feel that their family does not love them sometimes or never (value p of trend <0.001), men show in the variable "Satisfied with the help your family receives", a marginal association. Conclusions: Performing a diet without supervision is associated with an increase in the PGC, giving an effect contrary to what is desired. This is associated with family relationships, and is different between sex.

Brief non-dieting intervention increases intuitive eating and reduces dieting intention, body image dissatisfaction, and anti-fat attitudes: A randomized controlled trial.

This study developed and examined a brief dissonance-based non-dieting intervention designed to help college women reject unhealthy dieting behaviors, accept their bodies, and increase healthy eating. Participants included 94 female university students (mean age = 20.6 years; mean BMI = 23.8 kg/m2), randomly assigned either to the non-dieting intervention condition or a brochure control condition. The intervention consisted of two 90-120 min interactive group sessions designed to engender the rejection of dieting, increase body acceptance, and develop healthy eating skills. Assessment measures were collected at baseline, post-treatment, and one-month follow-up. The group sessions produced significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group on measures of dieting intention, intuitive eating, body image dissatisfaction, eating concerns, and anti-fat attitudes. These effects were sustained at one-month follow-up. There were also overall improvements over time in dietary intake and mental health-related quality of life across conditions. This study extends the research on non-dieting approaches by using a brief, dissonance-based structure and by applying the intervention to a young adult sample that included participants of normal weight. The findings here indicate that a non-dieting approach is acceptable and feasible, and can result in improvements in eating and weight-related behaviors, in young adult women.

[Body fat percentage in adolescent among eating risk behaviors, home and sex]. / Porcentaje de grasa corporal en adolescentes asociado con conductas alimentarias de riesgo, hogar y sexo.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association of risky eating behaviors and the home with the percentage of body fat in adolescents, modified by gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the information of a cohort of 2 388 adolescents from Morelos in Mexico, from 2004 to 2007. Descriptive techniques and multiple linear regression models of mixed effects were performed. RESULTS: The change in body fat percentage (PGC) is -1.4 percentage points, in men -3.1, in women 0.2. The change of the PGC in relation to CAR's and the household is different by sex. The multiple model shows that diet is associated with an increase in PGC (1.25 IC95% 0.68-1.83) in women, in men of 1.74 (95% CI 0.60-2.88). In relation with the family, women show a positive relationship with the increase in the percentage of body fat according to whether they feel that their family does not love them sometimes or never (value p of trend <0.001), men show in the variable "Satisfied with the help your family receives", a marginal association. CONCLUSIONS: Performing a diet without supervision is associated with an increase in the PGC, giving an effect contrary to what is desired. This is associated with family relationships, and is different between sex.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la asociación de las conductas ali- mentarias de riesgo (CAR) y el hogar con el porcentaje de grasa corporal (PGC) en los adolescentes, modificado por sexo. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó la información de una cohorte de 2 388 adolescentes de Morelos, México, de 2004 a 2007. Se realizaron técnicas descriptivas y modelos de regresión lineal múltiple de efectos mixtos. RESULTADOS: El cambio del PGC es -1.4 puntos porcentuales (EE 0.22), en hombres -3.1 (EE 0.35) y en mujeres 0.2 (EE 0.21). El cambio del PGC en relación con CAR y el hogar es diferente por sexo. El modelo múltiple muestra que realizar dieta se asocia con el incremento del PGC (1.25 IC95% 0.68-1.83) en mu- jeres y en hombres (1.74 IC95% 0.60-2.88). En relación con la familia, las mujeres muestran una relación positiva con el incremento del PGC de acuerdo con que sientan o no que su familia no las quiere a veces o nunca (valor p de tendencia <0.001); los hombres muestran en la variable de "Satisfecho de la ayuda que recibe se su familia" una asociación marginal. CONCLUSIONES: Realizar dieta sin supervisión se asocia con el incremento en el PGC, lo que da un efecto contrario a lo deseado; esto se asocia con relaciones familiares y es diferente entre sexo.

Food at first sight: Visual attention to palatable food cues on TV and subsequent unhealthy food intake in unsuccessful restrained eaters.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether unsuccessful dieters show heightened visual attention to food cues in TV content and how visual attention influences subsequent unhealthy food intake. This study adds to prior literature by investigating the influence of visual attention to food cues on food intake with actual media content (i.e., instead of isolated food cues such as pictures or words) and by differentiating between chronic dieters (i.e., restrained eaters) who vary in dieting success (i.e., perceived self-regulatory success [PSRS]). To get a more detailed insight into different processes of visual attention, two measures of attention (i.e., initial orientation and attention duration) were examined. METHODS: Unrestrained (n = 34) and restrained eaters (n = 28) varying in PSRS watched a talk show containing subtly depicted, palatable food cues. While watching, their visual attention to the food cues was measured with an eye-tracker. Unhealthy food intake was assessed afterwards in a taste test. RESULTS: A two-way interaction between eating restraint and PSRS on initial visual orientation was found: unsuccessful restrained eaters' initial orientation to food cues was faster compared to that of successful restrained eaters. There were no significant findings on attention duration. Furthermore, visual attention did not predict unhealthy food intake. DISCUSSION: Unsuccessful restrained eaters' fast initial orientation, but no longer attention duration, suggests that self-regulation may be important at early stages of visual attention. Future research on this topic should continue to differentiate between initial orientation and attention duration, as well as between more and less successful restrained eaters. The lack of findings on unhealthy food intake suggest that food cues embedded in actual media content might have less influence on eating behavior compared to isolated food cues.

Adolescent stress: A predictor of dieting behaviors in youth with overweight/obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between psychological stress and dieting behavior along with the heterogeneity of this association by gender and race in a diverse sample of adolescents with overweight/obesity. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-one adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years of age with overweight/obesity (65% female; 53% non-Hispanic black/47% non-Hispanic white; age: 16.7 ± 1.7 years) were recruited from Southeast MI and included in this analysis. Psychological stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, and dieting behavior was assessed using the dieting subscale from the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) questionnaire. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to examine the association between psychological stress and dieting behavior by gender and race. RESULTS: Psychological stress was significantly associated with dieting (ß = 0.18 ± 0.06; p < 0.01), with greater stress associated with greater frequency of dieting behavior. This relationship remained significant (ß = 0.15 ± 0.06; p = 0.016), even when controlling for covariates (age, body fat, gender, race, and pubertal development). There were no statistically significant differences in the association of psychological stress and disordered eating indices by gender or race/ethnicity (p's > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased psychological stress is associated with increased dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity. These findings suggest that psychological stress equally affects dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity, regardless of gender and race. Future studies should seek to identify the unique sources of psychological stress that contribute to increased dieting behavior among adolescents with overweight/obesity.

Mediation of emotional and external eating between dieting and food intake or BMI gain in women.

OBJECTIVE: Dieting to control body weight is often associated with weight gain, particularly so in women; however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In a series of studies on women, we examined whether the relationship between dieting and weight gain can be explained by (serial) mediation of emotional eating (EE) and/or subsequent external eating (EX). METHODS: In a pilot study (116 women), we first assessed this (serial) mediation between dieting or dietary restraint and actual food consumption in the laboratory. In Study 1, a four-year follow up on patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes (51 women), we assessed this (serial) mediation between dietary restraint and change in BMI and intake of energy (Kcal; Food Frequency Questionnaire). In Study 2, a three-year follow up study in a representative Dutch sample (287 women), we assessed this (serial) mediation between dieting and change in BMI. RESULTS: There was consistent support for (serial) mediation: In the pilot study, frequency of dieting and dietary restraint were both indirectly associated with grams of crackers eaten through EE and EX. In study 1, dietary restraint had a significant (95% CI) indirect association with subsequent change in measured BMI and a marginally (90% CI) significant indirect association with intake of energy through EE and EX. In study 2, EE marginally (90% CI) acted as a mediator between frequency of dieting and subsequent self-reported change in BMI. In the subsample of overweight women (n = 146) frequency of dieting was indirectly associated with subsequent self-reported change in BMI through EE and EX. CONCLUSION: The possibility that female dieters may gain weight through EE and/or subsequent EX should be taken into account when treating women with overweight or obesity.

The dynamics of self-control: within-participant modeling of binary food choices and underlying decision processes as a function of restrained eating.

Successful self-control during food choice might require inhibition of impulses to avoid indulging in tempting but calorie-dense foods, and this might particularly apply to individuals restraining their food intake. Adopting a novel within-participant modeling approach, we tested 62 females during a mouse-tracking based binary food choice task. Subsequent ratings of foods on palatability, healthiness, and calorie density were modeled as predictors for both decision outcome (choice) and decision process (measures of self-control conflict) while considering the moderating role of restrained eating. Results revealed that individuals higher on restrained eating were less likely to choose more high-calorie foods and showed less self-control conflict when choosing healthier foods. The latter finding is in contrast with the common assumption of self-control as requiring effortful and conscious inhibition of temptation impulses. Interestingly, restrained eaters rated healthy and low-calorie foods as more palatable than individuals with lower restrained eating scores, both in the main experiment and an independent replication study, hinting at an automatic and rather effortless mechanism of self-control (palatability shift) that obviates effortful inhibition of temptation impulses.

Effects of a Web-Based, Evolutionary Mismatch-Framed Intervention Targeting Physical Activity and Diet: a Randomised Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: This study sought to test the effectiveness of a 12-week, novel online intervention (Evolife) aiming to increase physical activity level (PAL) and reduce energy intake (EI) among overweight/obese adults. The intervention used an evolutionary mismatch message to frame health information in an engaging way, incorporating evidence-based behaviour change techniques to promote autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and self-regulatory skills. METHOD: Men and women aged 35-74 years with a BMI of 25-40 kg/m2 were eligible. Participants were randomised to receive either the intervention (comprising a face-to-face introductory session, 12 weeks' access to the Evolife website and a pedometer) or a control condition (face-to-face introductory session and NHS online health resources). PAL was measured objectively and EI was self-reported using 3-day weighed food records. Secondary measures included BMI, waist circumference and blood pressure. RESULTS: Sixty people met inclusion criteria; 59 (30 intervention) completed the trial (mean age = 50; 56% male). Differences between groups' change scores for PAL and EI were of small effect size but did not reach significance (d = 0.32 and d = - 0.49, respectively). Improvements were found in both groups for PAL (int: d = 0.33; control: d = 0.04), EI (int: d = - 0.81; control: d = - 0.16), waist circumference (int: d = - 0.30; control: d = - 0.17) and systolic blood pressure (int: d = - 0.67; control: d = - 0.28). CONCLUSION: The intervention did not lead to significantly greater improvement in PAL or reduction in EI than a minimal intervention control, although the changes in the intervention group were of meaningful effect size and comparable with positive outcomes in larger intervention trials. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trail was registered on www.clinicaltrials.gov on 16 January 2017 (appeared online 26 January 2017), reference NCT03032731.

Cumulative Encouragement to Diet From Adolescence to Adulthood: Longitudinal Associations With Health, Psychosocial Well-Being, and Romantic Relationships.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to identify whether parent encouragement to diet as an adolescent predicts subsequent encouragement to diet from significant others/romantic partners as an adult and examine longitudinal associations between cumulative encouragement to diet from close relationships (i.e., parent and significant other) and later weight, weight-related, and psychosocial well-being outcomes in adulthood. METHODS: Data from Project EAT I-IV, a 15-year longitudinal population-based study of socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse adolescents followed into adulthood (n = 1,116; mean age = 31.1 years; 61% female), were used for this study. Surveys and anthropometric measures were completed at school by adolescents in 1998-1999, and follow-up mailed and online surveys were completed at approximately 5-year intervals between 2003 and 2016. RESULTS: Adolescents who experienced encouragement to diet from their parents were more likely to have a significant other as an adult who also encouraged them to diet. In addition, there was a significant (p < .05) cumulative effect of encouragement to diet, such that experiencing more encouragement to diet from both a parent(s) and significant other was associated with higher weight status, more unhealthy weight-control behaviors (e.g., dieting, binge eating, and unhealthy weight control behaviors), and lower psychosocial well-being (e.g., lower body satisfaction and self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms) as a young adult. CONCLUSIONS: Encouragement to diet tracked from one close relationship to another and had a cumulative effect on adult weight, weight-related, and psychosocial well-being outcomes. Future interventions, clinical work, and research should be aware of these patterns and cumulative effects of encouragement to diet to target key relationships to reduce these harmful interpersonal patterns.