Examining the Relation between Weight Control Strategies and Eating Disorder Symptomatology in First Year College Females

Problem: Weight management strategies are important for preventing weight gain, but less is known about whether young adults engaging in weight control strategies may be at risk for eating disorders. This study investigated the association between weight control strategies and eating disorder symptomatology among female college freshmen.

Methods: 69 female college freshmen were assessed within the first two months of college. Height and weight were measured objectively and BMI was calculated. Eating disorder symptomatology was assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q). Weight control strategies were measured using the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS).

Results: Findings from hierarchical linear regression suggested that, after controlling for current BMI, WCSS scores predicted EDE-Q scores. In females transitioning to college, using weight control strategies predicts eating disorder symptomatology. It is important to monitor female freshmen to ensure weight control strategies do not lead to the development of an eating disorder.

Keywords: Eating Disorders; Weight Management

References:

Luce, K. H., & Crowther, J. H. (1999). The reliability of the eating disorder examination—Self‐report questionnaire version (EDE‐Q). International Journal of Eating Disorders, 25(3), 349-351.

Pinto, A. M., Fava, J. L., Raynor, H. A., LaRose, J. G., & Wing, R. R. (2013). Development and validation of the weight control strategies scale. Obesity,21(12), 2429-2436.