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Appearance versus health: does the reason for dieting affect dieting behavior?
Erin Putterman1, Wolfgang Linden
1Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6T 1Z4. erinp@interchange.ubc.ca
Journal of Behavioral Medicine
|June 3, 2004
Summary
Dieting for health reasons is linked to fewer negative outcomes than dieting for appearance. Motivations behind dieting significantly impact its consequences, not just the dietary restrictions themselves.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nutrition Science
- Health Behavior
Background:
- Chronic dieting is often associated with negative psychological and behavioral consequences.
- The motivation behind dieting (e.g., health vs. appearance) may influence these outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if dieting for health concerns has the same negative sequelae as dieting for appearance.
- To differentiate the consequences based on dieting motivations.
Main Methods:
- 100 student and 96 community women dieters completed questionnaires.
- Measures included eating behaviors, psychological variables, and dieting motivations.
Main Results:
- Appearance-motivated dieters were younger, used more drastic strategies, and exhibited more disinhibited eating.
- Health-motivated dieters showed fewer negative consequences.
Conclusions:
- Not all dieting behaviors carry equal harm; motivation is a critical factor.
- Health-driven dieting appears less detrimental than appearance-driven dieting.