Women dieters of normal weight: their motives, goals, and risks.
Using data from a national survey of weight loss practices, this study examined those dieters who were of normal weight. Forty-seven percent of White women, 25% of Black women, and 16% of men currently trying to lose weight had a body mass index under 25. Women's primary motive was health improvement. Among normal-weight female dieters, 12% of Whites and 27% of Blacks were using risky strategies. Dieters were less likely than nondieters to smoke and reported better nutritional practices; however, they were not more likely to exercise, and their maximum weight fluctuation was 50% greater. Additional research on the consequences of dieting among normal-weight individuals is of high priority.
Biener
L
L
Center for Survey Research, University of Massachusetts at Boston 02125-3393, USA.
Heaton
A
A
D001835:Body Weight; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D015431:Weight Loss