DIET AND PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN RESTRAINED EATERS

Food choices, nutrient intakes, activity patterns and restrained eatin g scores were obtained from 249 normal-weight, young adults using self -reported questionnaires. Restrained eaters reported that they consume d more fat-free dairy products, fewer full-fat dairy products, fewer s ervings of fats and oils, less red meat and more fruits and vegetables than unrestrained eaters. In contrast to previous research, we found no overall difference in estimated daily energy intakes between restra ined and unrestrained eaters, although there was a strong trend for re strained men to consume fewer calories per day. However, restrained ea ters consumed less fat and more carbohydrate than unrestrained eaters. Restrained eaters in general were not more physically active than unr estrained eaters, but among the most active women, the restrained eate rs were estimated to consume 13.3% less fat then the unrestrained eate rs. This relationship was not observed in men. These data suggest that : (1) restrained eating influenced macronutrient composition in our re spondents, but these effects were somewhat different in men and women; and (2) exercise played an important role in the dieting practices of restrained women but not restrained men. Examining only the food inta kes of restrained women without considering their physical activity pa tterns may provide an incomplete picture of their dieting strategies. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited