Personal, behavioral, and environmental predictors of healthy weight maintenance during the transition to adulthood

Associations of abuse and neglect with young adult health in a population-based longitudinal cohort: Findings from Project EAT

Childhood maltreatment (abuse and neglect) is associated with a range of negative outcomes, but a gap remains in understanding of how specific maltreatment types, particularly neglect and non-familial sexual abuse, relate to health and behavior. This study examined the association of neglect and sexual abuse (both familial and non-familial), as well as familial physical and emotional abuse, with: depressive mood and eating disorders; tobacco and marijuana use; and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 in young adults. Data came from Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), a population-based longitudinal study of weight-related health from adolescence into young adulthood. Maltreatment before age 18 was retrospectively reported at ages 26-33. Risk differences (RDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for those with a given maltreatment type to those without, and also for the cumulative number of maltreatment types experienced. One in 3 participants reported abuse or neglect. All maltreatment types were associated with at least one adverse health outcome, with physical abuse being least consistently related to the outcomes. Emotional abuse showed the strongest association with depressive mood. All maltreatment types were associated with eating disorder diagnosis, tobacco use, and marijuana use (except physical abuse for eating disorder). There was little evidence of a maltreatment association with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; emotional abuse and neglect were associated with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Prevention of maltreatment needs to be a top public health priority.

Improving the Health of Emerging Adult Gamers-A Scoping Review of Influences

Emerging adults (EAs), defined as adults aged 18 to 25, remain a difficult group to engage in healthy behaviours (including positive dieting and eating patterns). The environmental elements that influence the health behaviours of EAs have been studied. However, the literature is mixed on how online game environments, including eSports and game streaming, can be used to positively engage EAs. In this scoping review, we identified and analysed research on online games, EAs, and dietary patterns to create a behavioural ecological map of influences that intersect with EAs through online games. In total, 75 studies were found, identifying 23 influences that intersect with EAs through their online game use. ESports organisations, eSports athletes, and content creators may be areas of future research (and intervention) as these factors could positively influence the dietary behaviours of EAs (through online games).

The Complicated Relationship between Dieting, Dietary Restraint, Caloric Restriction, and Eating Disorders: Is a Shift in Public Health Messaging Warranted?

The origins of theories specifying dietary restraint as a cause of eating disorders can be traced to the 1970s. This paper will present an overview of the origins of dietary restraint theories and a brief historical review of evidence will be summarized. Recent research will be presented, including the results from the CALERIE Phase 1 study, as well as CALERIE Phase 2, which were NIH-sponsored randomized controlled trials. CALERIE 2 provided a test of the effect of two years of caloric restriction (CR) on the development of eating disorder syndromes and symptoms in comparison to a control group that did not alter eating behavior or body weight. The intervention was effective for inducing a chronic (two-year) reduction in total energy expenditure and increased dietary restraint but did not increase symptoms of eating disorders. The results of this recent investigation and other studies have not provided experimental support for conventional dietary restraint theories of eating disorders. These findings are discussed in terms of potential revisions of dietary restraint theory, as well as the implications for a paradigm shift in public health messaging related to dieting.

Where Do Online Games Fit into the Health Behaviour Ecology of Emerging Adults: A Scoping Review

Online video games are a common pastime for emerging adults (EAs). EAs are an age group that is of interest in health communication because habits formed during this life stage can cause or prevent disease later in life. Guided by three research questions, this scoping review identifies the current state of research into socio-ecological influences on physical activity and diet behaviours of EAs. The review also examines the role that online video games play within this behavioural ecology. In total, 112 articles were found that focused on behavioural ecological influences for physical activity and diet behaviour among EAs. Seven of these articles focused on the impact of online video games, although only in conjunction with their influence on physical activity, identifying a gap in understanding the influence of online games on diet. Results show that online video games are currently under-researched in terms of impacts on physical activity and diet despite the prevalence of the use of these games within the EA cohort.

Parental practices, body dissatisfaction and weight control practices in female adolescents from public schools in southern Brazil

The objective was to verify the association between body dissatisfaction (BD) - constituted by the desire to lose weight - with family and personal aspects related to the shape of the body and weight control practices in female adolescents. A cross-sectional, observational epidemiological study with adolescents aged 12-19 years, enrolled in classes of the 8th and 9th years of public schools belonging to the urban area of the city of Caxias do Sul/Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, was conducted. A self-applicable questionnaire was used. BD was assessed using a silhouette scale. Multivariate regression was performed using Poisson regression with robust variation, hierarchically using a pre-established conceptual model, using the prevalence ratio (PR) adjusted with 95 % CI as a measure of effect. A significance level of 5 % (P ≤ 0·05) was considered. Among the 685 female students, 77·2 % had BD. The father's incentive to diet sometimes (PR 1·19; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·32; P ≤ 0·001) and always (PR 1·15; 95 % CI 1·03, 1·28; P ≤ 0·001), trying to lose weight (PR 1·63; 95 % CI 1·33, 1·99; P ≤ 0·001), dieting five times or more (PR 1·22; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·36; P ≤ 0·001) and skipping meals less than once a week (PR 1·16; 95 % CI 1·04, 1·29; P = 0·026) increased the chances of having BD. In conclusion, among the investigated parents' behaviours, only the father's incentive to go on a diet was associated with BD. Adolescent weight control practices increased the chances of having BD. Thus, it facilitates the identification of this condition at an early stage, enabling adequate treatment and prevention of health complications.

Coaction of Obesity Treatment-Associated Changes in Physical Activity and Emotional Eating: Mediation by Body Satisfaction

BACKGROUND

Research on coaction suggests improvements in physical activity and emotional eating will occur in a reciprocal manner.

AIMS

To determine if changes in body satisfaction mediate relations between physical activity and emotional eating changes and if age affects degree of change in those variables.

METHOD

Groups of early adult (n = 43) and middle-age (n = 52) women participants of a community-based obesity treatment were assessed on behavioral and psychological variables over 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Improvements in physical activity, anxiety-related emotional eating, body satisfaction, anxiety, and exercise self-efficacy were significant overall. Early adults demonstrated greater reductions in emotional eating. Physical activity increase over 3 months significantly predicted 6-month reduction in emotional eating but not vice versa. Body satisfaction change significantly mediated the physical activity-emotional eating relationships. Changes in anxiety and exercise self-efficacy moderated activity → emotional eating and body satisfaction → physical activity relationships, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Findings can inform both theory and behavioral obesity interventions.

Interactive effects of childhood maltreatment and tonic respiratory sinus arrhythmia on young adults' depressive symptoms

The goal of the current study was to investigate the moderating effect of tonic respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in the relation between childhood maltreatment and depression symptoms among young adults. A total of 98 participants (70 women) aged 17-22 years completed questionnaires on childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. RSA data were obtained during a resting condition in the laboratory. Results indicated that childhood maltreatment interacted with tonic RSA to predict depressive symptoms, even after controlling for age and body mass index (BMI) of each participant. Specifically, higher levels of childhood maltreatment were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, but only among young adults who exhibited lower tonic RSA. The results indicated that the association between childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms depends on young adults' physiological functioning/flexibility. Findings suggest that consideration of external environmental factors in combination with internal physiological factors is critical to understand young adults' mental health.

Examination of Weight-Loss Motivators and Family Factors in Relation to Weight Management Strategies and Dietary Behaviors among Adolescents with Obesity

The study aim was to test hypotheses informed by self-determination theory (SDT) regarding associations of adolescent motivators for weight loss and family feeding practices on understanding adolescent weight management and dietary behaviors. Adolescents (n = 71) with obesity were recruited from a large medical center in the Midwest USA and completed questionnaire assessments via an online survey. Results supported hypotheses that endorsement of health motivators for weight loss, conceptualized as autonomous (intrinsic) motivation, and positive family support would be associated with healthier weight management practices and dietary behaviors. Nuanced findings related to social- and self-esteem-related motivators for weight loss indicated a need for further understanding of these weight-loss motivators in the context of SDT. The current study findings highlight the importance of addressing motivational factors and family influences in research and practice related to promoting healthy dietary habits and weight management strategies among adolescents with obesity.

Childhood maltreatment and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in adult men and women:Findings from project EAT

This study examined gender differences in the association between childhood maltreatment and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors in adulthood. Data were derived from 1647 adults (ages 27-33) participating in a population-based, longitudinal study (Project EAT-IV: Eating Among Teens and Young Adults, 1998-2016). Childhood maltreatment (sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional neglect) and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors (overeating, binge eating, extreme weight control behaviors, unhealthy weight control behaviors, chronic dieting, weight and shape concerns) were assessed. Relative risk regression models were used to examine whether childhood maltreatment was related to individual disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Gender differences in these associations were explored. A history of any childhood maltreatment was associated with more than 60% greater risk for chronic dieting and overeating, with additional associations found for binge eating, weight and shape concerns, and unhealthy weight control behaviors. All types of abuse and neglect were associated with at least one type of disordered eating outcome. Examination of the point estimates indicated that emotional neglect was most consistently related to higher risk for disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Although there were no statistically significant gender differences in the association between childhood maltreatment and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, the patterning of these effects highlighted unique qualitative similarities and differences in these relationships between men and women. Taken together, these findings implicate childhood maltreatment, particularly emotional neglect, as a meaningful risk factor for problematic eating outcomes in both men and women during adulthood.

Longitudinal associations between intuitive eating and weight-related behaviors in a population-based sample of young adults

Intuitive eating has been associated with markers of better health in cross-sectional studies, but less is known about long-term associations between intuitive eating and subsequent eating and weight-related behaviors. This study assessed how intuitive eating in early adulthood is related to weight status, dieting, healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating with loss of control five years later. Young adults (N = 1660) were asked about intuitive eating as part of the 2008-2009 third wave of the Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) longitudinal cohort study. Weight status, dieting, healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating with loss of control were assessed during both the third (EAT-III: mean age 25.3 ± 1.5) and fourth (EAT-IV mean age 31.1 ± 1.5) waves. In analyses adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, both male and female intuitive eaters had a lower prevalence of high weight status and lower engagement in dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating at the 5-year follow-up, compared to non-intuitive eaters. Among women, after additional adjustment for EAT-III values for the respective outcome measures, intuitive eating was unrelated to any of the behaviors studied at 5-year follow-up. Among men, intuitive eating predicted a lower likelihood of engaging in unhealthy weight control behaviors (intuitive eaters: 30.0% vs. non-intuitive: 41.9%, p = 0.002) and binge eating (intuitive eaters: 0.9% vs. non-intuitive: 1.5%, p = 0.046) independent of participating in these behaviors at EAT-III. In a population-based sample of young adults, intuitive eating was associated with better markers of eating and weight-related behaviors five years later, suggesting intuitive eating may have potential long-term benefits.

Dietary exposures in childhood and adulthood and cardiometabolic outcomes: a systematic scoping review

Associations between diet and cardiometabolic outcomes are often based on a single measurement of diet in adulthood. Dietary exposures in childhood are thought to influence cardiometabolic disease development and individuals' diets can change over time, therefore dietary exposure in childhood and over long periods are both important to consider. This scoping review aimed to identify and characterise the literature on associations between diet measured in both childhood and adulthood and cardiometabolic outcomes. Seven databases were searched; eligible evidence sources were original analyses published as a journal article in English. Exposures included measures of dietary intake, diet quality and eating behaviours measured in both childhood and adulthood with at least five years between first and last measurements. Cardiometabolic outcomes included measures of anthropometry, biochemistry, vascular structure/function and disease states/scores. We identified 37 eligible articles from nine cohort studies. Dietary exposures were measured between two and eight times and most often assessed by food frequency questionnaire or diet history. The dietary exposures most frequently examined were protein, fat, carbohydrate, fruit, vegetables, sugar-sweetened beverages and breakfast. Cardiometabolic outcomes were predominantly based on risk markers. Authors utilised a variety of analytical approaches to transform and analyse repeated measures of diet, providing insights relevant to different lifespan nutrition concepts. The literature on associations between diet in childhood and adulthood and cardiometabolic outcomes is limited, but such studies have great potential to extend our knowledge in ways only possible with repeated measures of diet over time. Further research is needed to develop the evidence base for diet-disease relationships from a life course perspective, accounting for diet in both childhood and adulthood.

"Girls Aren't Meant to Exercise": Perceived Influences on Physical Activity among Adolescent Girls-The HERizon Project

Background. Adolescent girls are less active than boys, with approximately 10% of girls in Ireland and the United Kingdom meeting the minimum recommended daily physical activity (PA) guidelines. This study investigated factors perceived to influence PA among adolescent girls from low socioeconomic areas in order to inform the design of a future intervention (The HERizon Project). Methods. A total of 48 adolescent girls (13–18 years) from low socioeconomic areas of the United Kingdom and Ireland participated in focus groups (n = 8), to explore perspectives of physical activity and the influence of gender within this. Focus groups were thematically analyzed and interpreted within a socioecological framework. Results. Most girls enjoyed PA and were aware of its benefits. They identified both barriers and facilitators to PA at intrapersonal (fear of judgement and changing priorities WITH age), interpersonal (changing social pressures and support from others) and organizational (delivery of PE) levels. Gender inequality was a multilevel factor, crossing all socioecological levels. Conclusion. Although many adolescent girls enjoy PA, their experiences appear to be limited by a fear of judgement and an overarching sense of gender inequality. Future interventions, such as the HERizon Project, should address influences at intrapersonal, interpersonal and organizational levels to promote positive PA experiences for adolescent girls.

Associations Between Weight Perception, Unhealthy Weight Control Behavior, and Suicidal Ideation and Planning Among Korean Adolescents: A National Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the associations between weight perception, unhealthy weight control behavior, and suicidal ideation and planning and identify the role of unhealthy weight control behavior as a mediator in these associations among Korean adolescents.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This national cross-sectional secondary study used data from the 2015-2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Surveys, with a final sample of 96,285 adolescents who tried to manage their weight in the 30 days prior to the surveys. A multivariate logistic regression was conducted.

RESULTS

Both adolescent groups who perceived themselves to be underweight or overweight were significantly linked to a greater likelihood of suicidal ideation and planning (COR, 95% CI = 1.249, 1.141-1.367; COR, 95% CI = 1.339, 1.282-1.399) respectively. While adolescents with perceptions of being underweight are associated with suicidal ideation and planning through the suppression effect of unhealthy weight control behavior (Pathway A: OR, 95% CI = 0.628, 0.587-0.671), adolescents with perceptions of being overweight are linked with the same through the mediation effect (Pathway A: OR, 95% CI = 1.195, 1.141-1.251).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with perceptions of being overweight are highly likely to have unhealthy weight control behavior that can be linked to the possibility of suicidal ideation and planning, while adolescents with perceptions of being underweight are comparatively less likely to engage in such behavior.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is necessary to identify the status of weight perception among adolescents and closely monitor the unhealthy weight control behavior to prevent suicidal ideation and planning.

A single summative global scale of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors: Findings from Project EAT, a 15-year longitudinal population-based study

OBJECTIVE

The Project EAT Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviors (DEAB) scale was created from disordered eating attitudes and behaviors that tend to interrelate. To examine the appropriateness of the scale, we assessed the fit (i.e., how well a single latent factor fits a set of interrelated disordered eating attitudes and behaviors) and the convergent validity over time.

METHOD

Five interrelated disordered eating attitudes and behaviors were assessed in a longitudinal cohort (Project EAT, age 11 to 18 in 1998-1999, N = 1492). Confirmatory factor analysis examined the appropriateness of the DEAB scale. To examine whether individual variables function differently in relation to the latent construct across time, two models were compared: one requiring indicator-level factor loadings to remain equivalent across three time points (baseline [EAT-I], five-year follow-up [EAT-II], and 15-year follow-up [EAT-IV]), and the second allowing the factor loadings to vary over time. To examine the convergent validity, Pearson correlation with body satisfaction, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and BMI was compared across time.

RESULTS

The fit indices for a single factor structure supported the use of the DEAB scale over time (standardized loadings: 0.60-0.87, 0.67-0.89, 0.59-0.77 at EAT-I, II, and IV respectively). As hypothesized, compared to fewer number of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, greater number of attitudes and behaviors was associated with lower body satisfaction and self-esteem, and greater depressive symptoms and BMI (p < .01).

DISCUSSION

The Project EAT DEAB scale can be used as a proxy to measure the severity of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors over time in population-based studies.

Prevalence, Clinical Characteristics, and Risk Among Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease in the Young Jordanian Population

PURPOSE

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ischemic heart disease (IHD) among the young population in Jordan. We examined the risk factors that might be involved in disease incidence. Clinical characteristics, patients' living standards, and various other risk factors were considered to conduct the study.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital. Data were collected from patients who visited this hospital between January 2013 and December 2017. Only young Jordanian adults of age <50 years were included in this study. The data of 358 patients were purposively collected and analyzed (as per the determined inclusion criteria), where information related to their baseline characteristics, clinical characteristics, and related biochemical assays was reviewed.

RESULTS

This study showed a high prevalence of IHD among young males in Jordan. It also revealed that increased age, smoking, hypertension, unfavorable lipid profile, and obesity were the major possible risk factors for the occurrence of disease. These patients were initially diagnosed with either unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction. Initial WBCs count, particularly monocytes differential, was high in about one-third of patients, besides cardiac biomarkers.

CONCLUSION

The high incidence of IHD was noticed among young individuals. We suggest that more efforts should be instigated for reducing the high prevalence of IHD by adopting a healthy lifestyle, preventive attitude, and nutritious food intake.

Associations of early adulthood life transitions with changes in fast food intake: a latent trajectory analysis

BACKGROUND

Early adulthood is a period of rapid personal development when individuals experience major life transitions (e.g. leaving the parental home, leaving education, beginning employment, cohabitation and parenthood). Changes in social and physical environments associated with these transitions may influence development of health-related behaviours. Consumption of fast food is one behaviour associated with poor diet and long-term health outcomes. In this study we assess how frequency of fast food consumption changes across early adulthood, and how major life transitions are associated with changes in fast food intake.

METHODS

Data were collected across four waves of the Project EAT study, from mean age 14.9 (SD = 1.6) to mean age 31.1 (SD = 1.6) years. Participants reporting data at two or more waves were included (n = 2902). Participants reported past week frequency of eating food from a fast food restaurant and responded to questions on living arrangements, education and employment participation, and having children. To assess changes in fast food we developed a latent growth model incorporating an underlying trajectory of fast food intake, five life transitions, and time-invariant covariates.

RESULTS

Mean fast food intake followed an underlying quadratic trajectory, increasing through adolescence to a maximum of 1.88 (SE 0.94) times/week and then decreasing again through early adulthood to 0.76 (SE 2.06) times/week at wave 4. Beginning full-time employment and becoming a parent both contributed to increases in fast food intake, each resulting in an average increase in weekly fast food intake of 0.16 (p < 0.01) times/week. Analysis of changes between pairs of waves revealed stronger associations for these two transitions between waves 1-2 (mean age 14.9-19.4 years) than seen in later waves. Leaving the parental home and beginning cohabitation were associated with decreases in fast food intake of - 0.17 (p = 0.004) and - 0.16 (p = 0.007) times/week respectively, while leaving full-time education was not associated with any change.

CONCLUSIONS

The transitions of beginning full-time employment and becoming a parent were associated with increases in fast food intake. Public health policy or interventions designed to reduce fast food intake in young adults may benefit from particular focus on populations experiencing these transitions, to ameliorate their impact.

Disordered Eating Behaviors and 15-year Trajectories in Body Mass Index: Findings From Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults (EAT)

PURPOSE

Disordered eating behaviors are prevalent among adolescents. Understanding how these behaviors link to body mass index (BMI) across different stages of development and over an extended period may provide insight for designing interventions around eating and weight. This study had two objectives: (1) to assess the distribution of disordered eating behaviors and develop a global score of disordered eating behaviors among adolescents and (2) to examine the association between the number of disordered eating behaviors in adolescence and BMI trajectory over 15 years.

METHODS

Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults (EAT), a longitudinal study of weight-related health and behavior comprising four waves (EAT-I to EAT-IV), measured seven disordered eating behaviors (importance of weight and shape, frequent dieting, extreme unhealthy weight control behaviors, overeating, distress about overeating, loss of control while overeating, and frequency of overeating and loss of control) at baseline (N = 1,230, ages 11 to 18 years, 1998-1999). These behaviors were summed to create a disordered eating behavior score. BMI was self-reported at all four waves (up to age 27-33 years at EAT-IV). Repeated measures with random slope and intercept examined the association between disordered eating behaviors and BMI trajectories over 15 years.

RESULTS

At baseline, 50.7% and 33.7% of females and males endorsed disordered eating behaviors. Throughout 15 years of follow-up, sociodemographic-adjusted BMI was higher among adolescents who engaged in disordered eating behaviors. The association remained significant after further adjustment for baseline BMI (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among adolescents, regardless of the type of disordered eating behaviors, engagement in disordered eating behavior predicted higher BMI in a dose-response fashion.

Cumulative Encouragement to Diet From Adolescence to Adulthood: Longitudinal Associations With Health, Psychosocial Well-Being, and Romantic Relationships

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to identify whether parent encouragement to diet as an adolescent predicts subsequent encouragement to diet from significant others/romantic partners as an adult and examine longitudinal associations between cumulative encouragement to diet from close relationships (i.e., parent and significant other) and later weight, weight-related, and psychosocial well-being outcomes in adulthood.

METHODS

Data from Project EAT I-IV, a 15-year longitudinal population-based study of socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse adolescents followed into adulthood (n = 1,116; mean age = 31.1 years; 61% female), were used for this study. Surveys and anthropometric measures were completed at school by adolescents in 1998-1999, and follow-up mailed and online surveys were completed at approximately 5-year intervals between 2003 and 2016.

RESULTS

Adolescents who experienced encouragement to diet from their parents were more likely to have a significant other as an adult who also encouraged them to diet. In addition, there was a significant (p < .05) cumulative effect of encouragement to diet, such that experiencing more encouragement to diet from both a parent(s) and significant other was associated with higher weight status, more unhealthy weight-control behaviors (e.g., dieting, binge eating, and unhealthy weight control behaviors), and lower psychosocial well-being (e.g., lower body satisfaction and self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms) as a young adult.

CONCLUSIONS

Encouragement to diet tracked from one close relationship to another and had a cumulative effect on adult weight, weight-related, and psychosocial well-being outcomes. Future interventions, clinical work, and research should be aware of these patterns and cumulative effects of encouragement to diet to target key relationships to reduce these harmful interpersonal patterns.

'Oh God, I Have to Eat Something, But Where Can I Get Something Quickly?'-A Qualitative Interview Study on Barriers to Healthy Eating among University Students in Germany

Healthy eating can prevent individuals across all age groups from developing overweight/obesity and non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. However, unhealthy eating habits (e.g., a high level of fast food consumption) have been found to be widespread among university students. Thus, it seems necessary to develop prevention strategies to improve students' eating habits. However, to ensure that such strategies are successful, it is important that they fit the needs of the target population. By conducting qualitative interviews with students (n = 20), we aimed to get a deeper understanding of barriers to healthy eating. Students were asked about barriers to healthy eating and to suggest possible ideas that could improve their eating behavior in the future. Our findings revealed that students are especially affected by time-related barriers (e.g., a lack of time due to university commitment) and environmental barriers (e.g., a lack of cheap, tasty, and healthy meal options at the university canteen). Time-related barriers were also related to motivational barriers (e.g., being too lazy to cook after a busy day at university). In addition, knowledge/information-related barriers, social-support-related barriers, and transition-related barriers emerged from our interviews. The variety of barriers addressed and the different views on some of these, indicate that various strategies seem to be needed to improve the eating behavior among university students and to prevent them from gaining weight and developing non-communicable diseases in the future.

Confirmation of the Factor Structure and Reliability of the 'Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire' in an Adolescent Sample

Introduction

Appetitive traits, including Food Responsiveness, Enjoyment of Food, Satiety Responsiveness, Emotional Over- and Under-Eating, Food Fussiness and Slowness in Eating, have been captured across childhood using the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ). The Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) has explored these traits in adults, but not adolescents. This study aimed to test the factor structure and reliability of the AEBQ in a sample of UK adolescents, and explore demographic differences.

Materials and Methods

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) tested an 8-factor and a 7-factor AEBQ, based on valid, completed AEBQ responses (n = 913) from adolescents aged 11–18 recruited from four London secondary schools. Test–retest reliability was analyzed in a subsample (n = 106) 2-weeks later, and 492 participants completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) to assess convergent validity. Demographic differences were explored using a multiple indicator multiple cause (MIMIC) model.

Results

The CFA revealed an adequate model fit for a 7-factor structure without Hunger [RMSEA = 0.038 (90% CI:0.035,0.041); CFI = 0.926, TLI = 0.916; and χ²(df = 595) = 8502.69, p < 0.001]. These seven subscales showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α > 0.70). The ICC for the test–retest was above 0.70. Comparisons with the DEBQ supported the convergent validity of the AEBQ. Older age was associated with greater Food Responsiveness and Enjoyment of Food (all p-values < 0.005). Females reported higher levels of Emotional Over-Eating, Satiety Responsiveness, and Slowness in Eating than males (all p-values ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion

This study supports the use of the 7-factor AEBQ as a reliable measure of appetitive traits in adolescents.

Women's Body Image Throughout the Adult Life Span: A Latent Growth Modeling Approach

This retrospective study examined developmental trajectories of women's body image perceptions throughout the adult life span from life course and self-discrepancy theory perspectives. Data were collected from women over 65 years of age, recruited from 15 senior communities and centers in a Midwest U.S. state in 2012. A total of 102 older women completed a survey about their past and current body image perceptions. To examine developmental trajectories of the repeated body image measures, a latent growth modeling analysis was adopted. Distinct and significant trajectories in each body image measure during the entire adult life course were found, confirming that a retrospective account of women's body image perceptions significantly change with age. The individual differences in the trajectories over time and the relationship between an individual's initial mean level and the rate of change on each variable were also examined. The findings advanced understanding of the retrospective age effects on women's body image throughout the adult life span.

Do young adults value sustainable diet practices? Continuity in values from adolescence to adulthood and linkages to dietary behaviour

OBJECTIVE

To describe continuity over time in reports of valuing sustainable diet practices and investigate relationships between values, household meal behaviours and dietary intake.

DESIGN

Observational study. Participant ratings of how important it is for food to be produced as organic, not processed, locally grown and not GM were categorized to represent whether they valued (very/somewhat important) or did not value (a little/not at all important) each practice. Diet quality markers (e.g. fruit servings) were based on an FFQ.

SETTING

Mailed and online surveys.

PARTICIPANTS

Young adults (n 1620; 58 % female, mean age 31 (sd 1·6) years) who were participating in Project EAT (Eating and Activity among Teens and Young Adults) and responded to follow-up surveys in 2003-2004 and 2015-2016.

RESULTS

One-third (36·1 %) of participants reported valuing <2 practices at both assessments; 11·1 and 34·5 % respectively reported valuing ≥2 practices in 2003-2004 only and in 2015-2016 only; 18·3 % reported valuing ≥2 practices at both assessments. Regression models including demographics, parental status and vegetarian status showed that valuing ≥2 practices was associated with preparation of meals with vegetables at least a few times/week, less frequent purchase of family meals from fast-food restaurants, and higher diet quality in 2015-2016. For example, those who valued ≥2 practices consumed nearly one full vegetable serving more than other young adults on an average day and part of this difference was specifically associated with intake of dark green and red/orange vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the sustainability of food choices as part of public health messaging may be relevant for many young adults.

The Influence of Parental Dieting Behavior on Child Dieting Behavior and Weight Status

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To explore the relationship that parental dieting behavior (e.g., dieting, encouragement to diet, weight-teasing) has on child dieting behavior and weight status.

RECENT FINDINGS

Encouragement to diet and weight-teasing are both strong predictors of child dieting behavior in both childhood and adolescence. The impact of parent modeling of dieting behavior on child dieting behavior is mixed, but there is enough evidence to suggest that modeling is more impactful on daughters than sons and when parents are modeling unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviors (e.g., skipping meals). Parental dieting, both via modeling and increased use of encouragement to diet and weight-teasing, is associated with negative child eating and weight outcomes. Parental use of direct communication surrounding weight appears to be a more salient risk factor than parental modeling of dieting behavior. Future work is needed to develop strategies for parents to lower their child's risk of dieting.