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Binge eating and its relationship to multiple weight control program attendance and alternative methods of weight control

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Abstract

Binge eating and its relationship to multiple program attendance and use o alternative methods of weight control was assessed among 187 former residential weigh control participants. Subjects completed a 68-item questionnaire assessing weight contro techniques, exercise behaviors, behavior modification techniques, binge eating, and dieting behaviors. Results indicate that respondents who attended other programs after leaving the residential weight control program had significantly higher scores on monitoring food amounts, binge eating characteristics, and post-binge emotions. Similarly, respondents who tried alternative methods of weight control after leaving the program had significantly higher scores on the variables binge eating severity, feelings during a binge, and post-binge emo tions. These findings support the binge/diet/obesity cycle and suggest that obese persons with binge problems should discontinue dieting and be directed toward appropriate inter vention strategies. Furthermore, policy aimed at screening individuals for binge eating traits prior to weight control program participation is needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health Promotion and Kinesiology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 9201 University City Boulevard, Charlotte, NC, 28223, USA

    Rita DiGioacchino Ph.D., MPH (CHES Assistant Professor)

  2. School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA

    R. G. Sargent

Authors
  1. Rita DiGioacchino Ph.D., MPH
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  2. R. G. Sargent
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DiGioacchino, R., Sargent, R.G. Binge eating and its relationship to multiple weight control program attendance and alternative methods of weight control. Eat Weight Disord 3, 173–178 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03340007

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03340007

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