Dieting frequency among college females: association with disordered eating, body image, and related psychological problems.
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between dieting frequency and eating disorder behaviors, body satisfaction, and related factors.


METHODS
Females (N=345) whose average age and body mass index (BMI) were 20.58 and 21.79, respectively, were grouped into three categories of lifetime dieting frequency (never, 1-5 times, or 6 or more times) and matched on current BMI across categories.


RESULTS
Positive associations were found between dieting frequency and eating disorder symptoms and related problems such as body dissatisfaction, current body size perception, depression, exercise preoccupation, and feelings of ineffectiveness and insecurity. Dieting frequency was inversely associated with self-esteem, ideal body size, emotional regulation, and impulse control.


CONCLUSIONS
Independent of current BMI, frequency of dieting behaviors is strongly associated with negative emotions and problematic behaviors. As this study is correlational in nature, future longitudinal studies should ascertain the sequence of onset of these experiences.
Ackard
Diann M
DM
Westwood Lake Office Park II, 8421 Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 305 Golden Valley, MN 55426, USA. diann_ackard@mindspring.com
Croll
Jillian K
JK
Kearney-Cooke
Ann
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004032:Diet; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D014495:Universities