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A problematic counter-regulation experiment: implications for the link between dietary restraint and overeating
B Dritschel1, P J Cooper, D Charnock
1Department of Pyschology, University of East London, The Green, Stratford, England.
The International Journal of Eating Disorders
|April 1, 1993
Summary
This study found no evidence that restrained eaters overeat or lose control of their eating. The link between dietary restraint and overeating or binge eating appears weak, requiring better measurement in future research.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Dietary restraint is often linked to overeating and binge eating episodes.
- Laboratory studies aim to understand the psychological mechanisms behind eating behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laboratory counter-regulation in restrained eaters after a preload.
- To examine if high dietary restrainers overeat or lose control in naturalistic settings.
Main Methods:
- Classified subjects based on various measures of dietary restraint, including dieting status.
- Administered preloads in a laboratory setting to assess counter-regulation.
- Assessed eating behaviors in naturalistic settings.
Main Results:
- No evidence of laboratory counter-regulation was found in restrained eaters.
- High restrainers did not characteristically overeat or report loss of control in naturalistic settings.
- The association between dietary restraint and overeating/bulimic episodes is weak.
Conclusions:
- Current laboratory measures may not adequately capture the relationship between restraint and overeating.
- Future research needs more sensitive measures of dietary restraint and overeating for clinical relevance.
- The link between dieting and disordered eating requires further nuanced investigation.