title: Weight-Control Methods, 3-Year Weight Change, and Eating Behaviors: A Prospective Nationwide Study of Middle-Aged New Zealand Women.
abstract: The effectiveness of women's weight-control methods and the influences of dieting on eating behaviors remain unclear.
  
  
  
  Our aim was to determine the association of various weight-control methods at baseline with weight change to 3 years, and examine the association between baseline weight-control status (trying to lose weight, trying to prevent weight gain or no weight-control attempts) and changes in intuitive eating and binge eating at 3 years.
  
  
  
  A nationally representative sample of 1,601 New Zealand women (40 to 50 years) was recruited and completed a self-administered questionnaire at baseline regarding use of variety of weight-control methods. Information on demographic characteristics, weight, height, food habits, binge eating, and intuitive eating were collected at baseline and 3 years.
  
  
  
  Linear and logistic regression models examined associations between both weight status and weight-control methods at baseline and weight change to 3 years; and baseline weight-control status and change in intuitive eating from baseline to 3 years and binge eating at 3 years. χ(2) tests were used to cross-sectionally compare food habits across the weight status categories at both baseline and 3 years.
  
  
  
  Trying to lose weight and the use of weight-control methods at baseline were not associated with change in body weight to 3 years. There were a few differences in the frequency of consumption of high-energy-density foods between those trying to lose or maintain weight and those not attempting weight control. Trying to lose weight at baseline was associated with a 2.0-unit (95% CI 0.7 to 3.4, P=0.003) reduction in intuitive eating scores by 3 years (potential range=21 to 105), and 224% (odds ratio=3.24; 95% CI 1.69 to 6.20; P<0.001) higher odds of binge eating at 3 years.
  
  
  
  The apparent ineffectiveness of dieting and weight-control behaviors may reflect misconceptions about what constitutes healthy eating or energy-dense foods. Dieting may reduce women's ability to recognize hunger and satiety cues and place women at increased risk of binge eating.
authors.forename: Sook Ling
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Leong
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haszard
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Horwath
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056912:Binge-Eating Disorder / Q000209:etiology; D001835:Body Weight; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000379:methods*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006815:Hunger; D016015:Logistic Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss
keywords: Longitudinal study; Middle-aged women; Weight change; Weight-control methods