Dieting Status and its Relationship to Eating and Physical Activity Behaviors in a Representative Sample of US Adolescents

Differences in dietary and physical activity were found among adolescents who use extreme weight loss methods and moderate methods, and between dieters and nondieters, and suggest the importance of distinguishing between different types of dieting behaviors in clinical settings and research studies.

Abstract

Our findings suggest the importance of distinguishing between different types of dieting behaviors in clinical settings and research studies. Adolescents engaging in extreme weight control behaviors may be at particular risk for inadequate nutritional intake. In contrast, adolescents using more moderate methods may be consuming a more healthful diet than are nondieters. For all adolescents, nutrition guidance on healthful and safe weight control strategies is needed.