Aspects of Eating Behaviors “Disinhibition” and “Restraint” Are Related to Weight Gain and BMI in Women

• DOI: 10.1038/oby.2007.12
• Publication Date: 2008-01-25T18:25:09Z
• Authors: Nicholas P. Hays; Susan B. Roberts
• Keywords: Overeating; Disinhibition; Situational ethics

Objective: The causes of adult weight gain leading to obesity are uncertain. We examined the association and with subscales eating behavior characteristics in older women. Methods Procedures: Current height weight, (disinhibition subscales—habitual, situational, emotional; restraint subscales—flexible rigid; hunger subscales—internal external) as assessed using Eating Inventory (EI), self‐reported body at six prior age intervals were reported by 535 women aged 55–65 years. Multiple regression analysis was used examine relationships between EI subscale scores change from interval 30–39 55–60 years current BMI. Results: strongest correlate over 20 susceptibility overeating response everyday cues within environment (habitual disinhibition; partial correlation coefficient ( r ) = 0.25, P < 0.001); emotional states such depression (emotional disinhibition) a quantitatively weaker but significant (partial 0.17, 0.001), specific situations social occasions (situational not associated gain. Flexible control dietary attenuated influence habitual disinhibition particular on BMI, less effective attenuating associations or situational disinhibition. Discussion: Lifestyle modification programs for prevention treatment adult‐onset currently focus reducing overeating; results this study suggest that stronger emphasis strategies target may be warranted.