Prevalence of dieting and fear of weight gain across ages: a community sample from adolescents to the elderly

Margarita C. T. Slof-Op ‘t Landt (), Eric F. Furth, Catharina E. M. Beijsterveldt, Meike Bartels, Gonneke Willemsen, Eco J. Geus, Lannie Ligthart and Dorret I. Boomsma
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Margarita C. T. Slof-Op ‘t Landt: Rivierduinen Eating Disorders Ursula
Eric F. Furth: Rivierduinen Eating Disorders Ursula
Catharina E. M. Beijsterveldt: Vrije Universiteit
Meike Bartels: Vrije Universiteit
Gonneke Willemsen: Vrije Universiteit
Eco J. Geus: Vrije Universiteit
Lannie Ligthart: Vrije Universiteit
Dorret I. Boomsma: Vrije Universiteit

International Journal of Public Health, 2017, vol. 62, issue 8, No 9, 919 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives The current study aimed to define the prevalence of dieting and fear of weight gain among men and women across the entire lifespan and identify factors associated with them. Methods Data were available for 31,636 participants (60.2% women; age 13–98 years) from the Netherlands Twin Register. Dieting and fear of weight gain were described by age and sex. Associations with BMI, exercise behavior, urbanization and educational attainment were examined by regression analyses in 19,294 participants. Results Dieting was most frequently reported by 35- to 65-year-old women (56.6–63%), and 45- to 65-year-old men (31.7–31.9%). Fear of weight gain was most prevalent in women between 16 and 25 (73.2–74.3%), and in 25- to 55-year-old men (43.2–46.1%). In addition to sex and BMI, dieting and fear of weight gain were associated with each other. Furthermore, fear was associated with the age × sex interaction and educational attainment. Conclusions Dieting and fear of weight gain is common during the entire lifespan for women, but is also endorsed by a substantial number of men. Given the low rate of overweight in young women, the high levels of fear of weight gain are striking.

Keywords: Dieting; Fear of weight gain; Prevalence; Community study; Lifespan (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0948-7

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