SOCIOECONOMIC-STATUS AND WEIGHT CONTROL PRACTICES AMONG 20-YEAR-OLD TO 45-YEAR-OLD WOMEN

Objectives. This study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and weight con trol practices in women. Methods. SES, de fined by family income, was examined in an economically diverse sample of 998 women in relation to dieting practices by means of multivariat e regression analyses controlling for age, ethnicity, smoking, and bod y mass index. Results. SES was positively associated with healthy, but not unhealthy, weight control practices; inversely related to energy and fat intake; and positively associated with weight concern and perc eived social support for healthy eating and exercise. SES gradients we re particularly striking at the low end of the income distribution (i. e., family income less than or equal to$10 000 per year). The SES grad ient, in body mass index persisted in analyses controlling for attitud es and behaviors. Conclusions. Economic deprivation may contribute to high rates of obesity among lower SES women. The reasons for this requ ire further research.