Weight Loss Behaviors 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 female 9th-12th graders. Healthy weight loss behaviors
were reported much more frequently than unhealthy weight loss behaviors
(e.g., healthy behaviors: exercise = 32.4 percent, decrease fat intake
= 26.0 percent, reduce snacks = 25.0 percent, reduce kilocalorie intake
= 22.4 percent; unhealthy behaviors: fasting = 8.1 percent, diet pills
= 5.4 percent, vomiting = 4.4 percent). Obesity status and restrained
eating scores were positively related to greater history of weight loss
episodes, pounds lost, and weight fluctuations and to greater use of healthy
weight loss methods and weight loss programs. Implications for public
health recommendations regarding dieting and its associated behaviors
in female adolescents are discussed.
Source: French SA, Perry CL, Leon GR, Fulkerson
JA. Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota,
Minneapolis 55454-1015, USA. 1995
Return to Weight
Loss Research Articles
|
|
|