Restrained eating behaviour and attitudes towards nutrition and weight in adolescents participating in the DONALD study

Anke L. B. Günther, Dortmund

In 135 adolescents participating in the DONALD study the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ-C) was used to determine the phenomenon of restrained eating behaviour and associated factors. Accordingly, adolescents whose eating behaviour was largely restrained have been found to show a higher BMI standard-deviation score than those with a less restrained eating behaviour, to be more afraid of weight gain and to more frequently overestimate their body weight.

In girls, surprisingly enough, the trend towards a restrained eating behaviour was not stronger than in boys. In girls, but not in boys, a significant negative correlation has been found to exist between the degree of restrained eating, and between the quotient of energy intake according to 3-dayweighing and dietary records and the estimated basal metabolic rate (EA:BMR). This finding suggests correlations among overweight, restrained eating behaviour and an underreporting of energy intake already in young individuals. The frequency of strict diets increased in German girls of 11 to 15 years, while it decreased in boys. This finding is comparable to the results of other analyses.

Keywords: body weight, eating disorders, keeping a strict diet, restrained eating behaviour, social surroundings.

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 08/07 ab Seite 456.