Diet and physical activity in restrained eaters

Food choices, nutrient intakes, activity patterns and restrained eating scores were obtained from 249 normal-weight, young adults using self-reported questionnaires. Restrained eaters reported that they consumed more fat-free dairy products, fewer full-fat dairy products, fewer servings of fats and oils, less red meat and more fruits and vegetables than unrestrained eaters. In contrast to previous research, we found no overall difference in estimated daily energy intakes between restrained and unrestrained eaters, although there was a strong trend for restrained men to consume fewer calories per day. However, restrained eaters consumed less fat and more carbohydrate than unrestrained eaters. Restrained eaters in general were not more physically active than unrestrained eaters, but among the most active women, the restrained eaters were estimated to consume 13.3% less fat then the unrestrained eaters. This relationship was not observed in men. These data suggest that: (1) restrained eating influenced macronutrient composition in our respondents, but these effects were somewhat different in men and women; and (2) exercise played an important role in the dieting practices of restrained women but not restrained men. Examining only the food intakes of restrained women without considering their physical activity patterns may provide an incomplete picture of their dieting strategies.