Sociocultural pressures and adolescent eating in the absence of hunger

Abstract

Parental feeding practices and sociocultural pressures theoretically influence eating behavior. Yet, whether these factors relate to eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) is unknown. We assessed if sociocultural pressures were associated with EAH among 90 adolescents (Mage = 15.27, SD = 1.39; 48% female). Parents completed the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Adolescents completed the Perceived Sociocultural Pressures Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire-Appearance Scales. On two occasions, EAH was assessed as snack food intake after adolescents ate to satiety. Controlling for body composition and demographics, parental restriction and family pressure to be thin were associated with greater EAH. Media pressure was related to more EAH in girls. Appearance orientation and preoccupation with becoming overweight mediated links between sociocultural pressures and EAH. Findings support the notion that sociocultural pressures and their links to body image may contribute to the course of disinhibited eating behaviors during adolescence.

A Review on Determinants of Nutritional Behavior in Teenagers

“…Subjective norms, teenagers' perception of actual norms, have a significant predicting role in nutritional behaviors of teenagers. For having an appropriate physical look, teenagers are under social-cultural pressure (76). Having a good physical look is considered more important in girls than boys (77), which is mostly directed toward skinniness and could lead to formation of unhealthy nutritional behaviors (78).…”

Eating in the absence of hunger in college students

“…All of these factors can contribute to disinhibited eating, of which eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) is one type, that occurs when an individuals lacks restraint over food consumption (4). Eating in the absence of hunger is defined as food consumption when not physically hungry.…”

“…For example, in adolescents, EAH tends to increase as BMI and fat mass increases (4). However, as Shomaker et al points out, research has not currently revealed if those who are overweight or obese simply eat more in the absence of hunger because they have a higher kcal requirement to obtain satiety (5).…”

“…However, as Shomaker et al points out, research has not currently revealed if those who are overweight or obese simply eat more in the absence of hunger because they have a higher kcal requirement to obtain satiety (5). In addition EAH also has been linked to family eating habits (4), as well as increased negative emotions, such as stress (1). Much research on eating in the absence of hunger has been conducted in children and adolescents, as eating styles are often habitualized early in life.…”

“…Eating in the absence of hunger is defined as food consumption when not physical hungry. However, it is important to note that eating in the absence of hunger, alone, is not an eating disorder, bur rather a type of disordered eating (4). EAH can be assessed in one of two ways, laboratory observation of food consumption after satiety has been reached, or analysis using a questionnaire (4).…”