Gender differences in disordered eating and weight dissatisfaction in Swiss adults: Which factors matter?

Abstract

BackgroundResearch results from large, national population-based studies investigating gender differences in weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating across the adult life span are still limited. Gender is a significant factor in relation to weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating. However, the reasons for gender differences in these conditions are still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine gender differences in weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating in the general Swiss adult population and to identify gender-specific risk factors.MethodsThe study population consisted of 18156 Swiss adults who completed the population-based Swiss Health Survey 2007. Self-reported weight dissatisfaction, disordered eating and associated risk factors were assessed. In order to examine whether determinants of weight dissatisfaction and disordered eating (dieting to lose weight, binge eating, and irregular eating) differ in men and women, multivariate logistic regressions were applied separately for women and men.ResultsAlthough more men than women were overweight, more women than men reported weight dissatisfaction. Weight category, smoking status, education, and physical activity were significantly associated with weight dissatisfaction in men and women. In women, nationality and age were also significant factors. Gender-specific risk factors such as physical activity or weight category were identified for specific disordered eating behaviours.ConclusionsThe results suggest that gender specific associations between predictors and disordered eating behaviour should be considered in the development of effective prevention programs against disordered eating.

Gender Differences in Body Mass Index, Body Weight Perception, weight satisfaction, disordered eating and Weight control strategies among Indian Medical and Nursing Undergraduates

“…This is in consistent with earlier studies. (20) In line with previous research, (21) more number of women in this study was underweight. However, the number of women those were overweight was higher than men.…”

“…These findings differed from previous studies that showed no gender differences in the prevalence of binge eating. (20) On the contrary, nearly half of the men exercised more than sixty minutes and lost weight more than 10kgs in the past six months. Previous studies also found similar findings.…”

Hamlandi viðhorf til eigin mataræðis - algengi og forspárþættir á Íslandi

“…Samkvaemt erlendum rannsóknum eru áhaettuþaettir fyrir faeðuaðhald að vera of þungur og vilja léttast, að vera í megrun og að vera ósáttur við eigin líkamsþyngd. [8][9][10][11] Hérlendis veita rannsóknir á algengi megrunar vísbendingar um faeðuaðhald og hamlandi viðhorf til eigin mataraeðis út frá aldri og kyni. Í nýlegri skýrslu, sem unnin var upp úr könnuninni Heilsa og líðan Ís-lendinga sem var framkvaemd árið 2012, kemur fram að taep 42% kvenna hafi reynt að létta sig og að 8% kvenna 18-44 ára hafi verið með átröskun eða séu að glíma við átröskun.…”

“…Þetta eru sömu þaettir og tengjast faeðuaðhaldi í erlendum rannsóknum. [8][9][10][11] Í þessari rannsókn var hamlandi faeðuviðhorf algengast hjá yngsta aldurshópnum sem var 18-29 ára. Líkurnar á að upplifa hamlandi faeðuviðhorf voru haerri hjá þeim sem voru skilgreindir með offitu og meðal þeirra sem voru ósáttir við eigin líkamsþyngd samanborið við þá sem voru í kjörþyngd/undirþyngd og þá sem voru sáttir við eigin líkamsþyngd.…”

Validation and Gender-Based Comparison of the Eating Behavior Scale for Japanese Young Adults

“…In addition, men usually desire to be more muscular (De Young et al, 2010). Therefore, there are differences in the characteristics of eating behaviors between men and women (Forrester-Knauss & Stutz, 2012).…”