Unhealthy weight control behaviors among a sample of U.S. journalists

Research on body image and weight control behaviors among journalists is limited. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the experiences of unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs), binge eating, and appearance-related pressures among a sample of journalists in the United States (U.S.).

We administered an online survey to journalists assessing their roles in the news industry, engagement in UWCBs (e.g., vomiting, laxative use, dieting, fasting) and binge eating. Odds ratios of the outcomes were estimated using a series of multivariate logistic regression models.

Over 68%, 19%, and 30% of participants reported they went on a diet, fasted for weight control, and binge ate, respectively. Our results suggest on-air journalists demonstrated higher odds of dieting compared to their counterparts who do not work in front of the camera. Furthermore, some journalists reported being subjected to appearance-related pressures in the industry.

Our results provide a glimpse of weight control behaviors, binge eating, and appearance-related pressures among workers in the U.S. journalism industry. Given the concerning prevalence of purging and binge eating in our sample, future studies should assess whether journalists represent an occupation group that is at high risk of developing eating disorders.