Body dissatisfaction among White and African American male and female college students.

Body size perception has been shown to be highly influenced by cultural factors including race. This study assessed body size perceptions of a convenience sample of college students (N=630). Included in a paper-and-pencil survey were current height and weight (body mass index (BMI)=wt [kg]/ht(2) [m]), perceived BMI, desired MI and perceptions of BMIs desired by others. Also assessed were perceptions of underweight, acceptable weight and overweight/obesity. African American females were found to have a higher current BMI than Whites (P< or =.001), higher desired BMI (P< or =.001) and higher BMI perceived to be desired by others (P< or =.001). African American and White males did not differ on any of these measures. Most (83%) underweight (BMI<19) African American females perceived themselves as underweight while only about one-half of underweight (56%) White females perceived themselves as underweight. Almost half (43%) of White females and about a fourth (27%) of African American females of acceptable BMI range (BMI=19-25) desired to be in the underweight range. Of those who were overweight (BMI=25-30), 20% of the Whites and only 3.0% of the African Americans chose an underweight silhouette as being desired. While African Americans and White males tended to have similar perceptions that there remains sociocultural influences in African American females regarding acceptance of a large body size.

Expanding the criteria for defining success when evaluating weight loss intervention programs.

In order to evaluate outcomes among former participants in a residential weight loss program, attendees were surveyed from 1 to 5 years post-intervention. A total of 187 respondents were studied for weight changes and behavioral practices. Diet practices were assessed by number of servings per day using the Food Guide Pyramid recommendations as a guideline for indicating fruit and vegetable intake. Exercise behaviors were measured in frequency, duration, and intensity, and a weighted score was computed to obtain units for describing physical activity. Maintaining a 10% weight loss from the program entry weight, consuming five or more servings per day of fruits and/or vegetables (5-a-day) and maintaining an "active" level of physical activity were included in criteria for describing intervention success. Those meeting two of the three criteria were categorized as "successful," which included 35.8% of the study population. Because each of these behaviors (5-a-day, active lifestyle, and modest weight loss maintenance) result in independent risk reduction, it is recommended that future weight loss intervention evaluations expand the criteria for describing successful impacts and outcomes to include not only weight maintenance, but also physical activity and diet compliance behaviors.

Measurements of body image in clinical weight loss participants with and without binge-eating traits.

This study measured body image disturbances of individuals in a residential weight loss program who were identified as having binge-eating disorder (BED) traits. The study population (N=97) was a convenience sample of 74 men (76%, mean age=51.0) and 23 women (24%, mean age=49.6) in the program who completed the Eating Questionnaire-Revised (EQ-R), the Attitudes About Weight and Dieting (AAWD), the Physical Appearance State and Trait Anxiety Scale (PASTAS): State Version, and the Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDR). Fifty-five individuals reported having binge traits (57%) while 42 (43%) had no binge traits. Individuals with the binge traits had a significantly higher BMI than nonbinge trait individuals (P=.008). The binge trait group scored higher on the total AAWD (P=.004), the AAWD factor "Fear of Fat" (P=.002), the total PASTA (P=.001), and the PASTA factor "Weight" (P=.001) than the nonbinge trait group. Logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds of having a binge trait were 1.44 times more likely for a person at a given score on the PASTA subscale Weight vs. a person at a score of 5 units less. Feelings of being unable to control eating among individuals seeking weight control is associated with several characteristics related to body image. Individuals showing greater concern about weight and dieting and specifically greater fears of becoming fat were more likely to have a problem with binge eating than those without these concerns. The results of this study suggest that a negative body image is an important factor to consider when treating individuals indicating binge-eating traits.

Assessment of dental practitioners in the secondary and tertiary prevention of eating disorders.

A questionnaire based upon the transtheoretical model and the health belief model was utilized to investigate dental practitioners' involvement in the secondary and tertiary prevention of eating disorders. Findings indicate that respondents are in the precontemplation or contemplation stages in identification, oral treatment, referral, and case management behaviors. Many are not completely aware of the health implications and oral manifestations of disordered eating and barriers were identified which may stand in the way of secondary and tertiary prevention. This pilot study provides a framework for the development of effective programming to increase the proportion of dental practitioners involved in prevention of eating disorders. To move the dental professionals toward assessment, referral, and case management, barriers to action must be removed.

Gender differences among those exhibiting characteristics of binge eating disorder.

One hundred and eighty-seven former residential weight control participants exhibiting binge eating traits were assessed for gender differences regarding demographics, diet, exercise, weight control techniques, behavior modification techniques and binge eating characteristics. Data were gathered using a 68-item paper pencil questionnaire. Results indicate that there were no significant differences between males and females regarding demographic variables, and the number and types of weight control programs tried since leaving the residential program. Significant differences did exist between males and females in the number of times they had started dieting in the past year. No significant differences were observed among males and females regarding severity, binge emotions and compensatory behaviors. Statistically significant differences did exist regarding post-binge emotions. Results from this study suggest that males and females differ in regard to the diet/binge cycle and additionally, males appear to have a different or less emotional response subsequent to a binge.