The effects of dieting on eating behavior: A three-factor model.

Abstract

I review and critique restraint theory and develop a 3-factor model of dieting behavior. The factors--frequency of dieting and overeating, current dieting, and weight suppression--are embedded within a 3-dimensional grid that also considers mechanisms mediating the effects of dieting and the influence of weight status. I argue that the eating behavior exhibited by restrained eaters stems from their frequent dieting and overeating in the past rather than from their current state of dietary or cognitive restraint. Evidence is reviewed, indicating that current dieting and weight suppression have different effects on eating than does restraint. The 3-factor model is used to reinterpret findings consistent with restraint theory and to explain findings inconsistent with restraint theory. Finally, clinical and research implications of the 3-factor model are discussed.

Measurement of dietary restraint: Validity tests of four questionnaires

“…As noted by Lowe (1993), the dietary restraint construct could involve: 1) the frequency of dieting/overeating, 2) current dieting (or caloric restriction), and 3) weight suppression. Others have also suggested that some measures of dietary restraint may also measure susceptibility for overeating.…”

“…Three of the measures, DEBQ, EI, and RS, contain questions that ask directly about an intention to engage in dieting to manage body weight, and in principle all four instruments ask questions about actual behavior that would result in caloric restriction, i.e., what Lowe (1993) called "current dieting." Thus, all four measures ask questions related to the frequency or intensity of dieting.…”

“…Current Dieting Questionnaire (CDQ)-This three-item self-report questionnaire was developed in a pilot investigation to assess current dieting, as described by Lowe (1993). The three questions identified in the pilot study were: 1) "I am trying to lose weight by eating less," 2) "I choose foods that are low in fat because I am trying to lose weight," and 3) "Are you now watching what you eat in order to lose weight?"…”

“…The studies that failed to support the dietary restraint hypothesis used these two alternative methods (Ouwens, et al, 2003). Lowe (1993) proposed a three factor theory of dieting which hypothesized that the dietary restraint construct is multi-dimensional and provided a three-factor model of dieting: 1) frequency of dieting/overeating, 2) current dieting, and 3) weight suppression. He noted that one explanation for the conflicting results of studies that tested the dietary restraint hypothesis was that measures of dietary restraint purport to assess the intent to diet, not actual dieting (caloric restriction).…”

"A Comparison of Eating Patterns Across Two Obesity Treatments: Behavior Therapy vs. Behavioral Choice Treatment"

“…Herman and Polivy (1975) expanded Nisbett's idea by suggesting that normal weight individuals are also influenced by a cultural drive for thinness. This drive for thinness leads them, like overweight individuals, to restrain their eating to below their natural set point in order to lose weight, resulting in a vulnerability for externally triggered eating and overeating (Lowe, 1993). Many more individuals, therefore, regardless of their weight, are at risk for dysregulated eating.…”