CURRENT DIETING, WEIGHT-LOSS HISTORY, AND WEIGHT SUPPRESSION - BEHAVIORAL-CORRELATES OF 3 DIMENSIONS OF DIETING

The present study investigated three dimensions of dieting (current di eting, history of dieting, weight suppression) and behaviors related t o energy balance in a community sample of 999 women. The three dimensi ons, current dieting status, history of dieting, and weight suppressio n, were examined in relation to dietary intake, eating behaviors, phys ical activity, and weight concerns. Twenty-two percent of the women we re current weight loss dieters, 8.3% were currently dieting for weight maintenance,:and 69.3% were not currently dieting. Twenty-eight perce nt of the women were weight suppressers. Current dieting for weight lo ss or weight maintenance was associated with lower percent of kilocalo ries from fat (33% vs. 35% among nondieters), less frequent consumptio n of sweet foods, more frequent consumption of vegetables and fruits, more frequent self-weighing, and lower tolerance for weight gain prior to taking action (10 lb vs. 14 lb among nondieters). Current dieters and those with an extensive history of dieting self-reported a greater number of healthy and unhealthy weight loss practices during the past year, and they scored higher on measures of low-fat eating behaviors and restrained eating. Weight suppression was associated with higher p hysical activity levels and lowfat eating behaviors. Distinguishing we ight suppression from current dieting status may provide insight into the behaviors related to successful weight loss maintenance, whereas m easures of dieting history might be useful in clinical contexts. Copyr ight (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd