A higher dietary restraint is associated with higher BMI: a cross-sectional study in college students

College students tend to have eating and lifestyle habits that can lead to weight gain. Paradoxically, weight gain could also lead to calorie restriction, a practice that is common among those who are concerned about their body weight. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the association between habits related to overweight and obesity and dietary intake, physical activity, and BMI among college students.

One hundred ninety-two participants (18-26 years; 75% female) were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the 'habits related to overweight and obesity questionnaire' which evaluates five dimensions: the concern about caloric intake, healthy eating, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and eating for psychological well-being. Additionally, anthropometric parameters, dietary intake, and physical activity were evaluated. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between outcome and exposure variables.

Higher concern about caloric intake was associated with higher BMI (1.05 kg/m² [95%CI: 0.58, 1.51]), but lower energy (-312.2 kcal/day [95%CI: -404.6, -219.8]) and fat intake (-1.88% [95%CI: -2.94, -0.83]). Furthermore, healthy eating was related to better diet quality 0.96 [95%CI: 0.47,1.44] and lower energy intake (-231.4 kcal/day [95%CI: -367.7, -95.2]). Meanwhile, higher scores in the physical activity dimension were associated with better diet quality (0.41 [95%CI: 0.16,0.66]).

College students with the highest dietary restraint had the greatest BMI and the lowest energy and fat intake. Our results highlight the importance of promoting healthy behaviors among college students.