DIETING BEHAVIORS AND WEIGHT CHANGE HISTORY IN FEMALE ADOLESCENTS

The prevalence of dieting, weight change history, and specific weight loss behaviors was examined in a population-based sample of 1,015 fema le 9th-12th graders. Healthy weight loss behaviors were reported much more frequently than unhealthy weight loss behaviors (e.g., healthy be haviors: exercise = 32.4%, decrease fat intake = 26.0%, reduce snacks = 25.0%, reduce kilocalorie intake = 22.4%; unhealthy behaviors: fasti ng = 8.1%, diet pills = 5.4%, vomiting = 4.4%). Obesity status and res trained eating scores were positively related to greater history of we ight loss episodes, pounds lost, and weight fluctuations and to greate r use of healthy weight loss methods and weight loss programs. Implica tions for public health recommendations regarding dieting and its asso ciated behaviors in female adolescents are discussed.