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. 2021 Jul-Aug;29(4):368-375.
doi: 10.1080/10640266.2019.1656467. Epub 2019 Nov 1.

Self-weighing behavior in individuals with binge-eating disorder

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Self-weighing behavior in individuals with binge-eating disorder

Carly R Pacanowski et al. Eat Disord. 2021 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

This study examined self-weighing behaviors and correlates in patients with BED. Hypotheses: (1) women would weigh more frequently than men, (2) > weekly weighers would have higher restraint scores than < weekly weighers, (3) the self-weighing-restraint relationship would be stronger in women, (4) self-weighing frequency would be inversely related to BMI, and (5) self-weighing frequency and depression would be independently but not interactively related to BMI. The EDE, administered by trained doctoral-level interviewers, assessed self-weighing and eating-disorder psychopathology in 423 treatment-seeking individuals meeting DSM-5 BED criteria. Self-weighing frequency (1) did not differ by gender (Wald = 1.3; p = .3). (2) > weekly weighers reported significantly higher restraint (2.0±1.2 versus 1.6±1.3; t(421) = 3.1, p = .02). (3) No significant gender*self-weighing interaction on restraint (p = .99). (4) Self-weighing is inversely correlated with BMI (rho = -0.20; p < .001). 5) Self-weighing nor depression, nor self-weighing*depression interaction predicted BMI (p = .51). These analyses lay the groundwork for further investigation of the role of self-weighing in BED treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Carly R. Pacanowski and Carlos M. Grilo declare no relevant conflicts of interest; Ross D. Crosby is a Statistical Consultant for Health Outcomes Solutions, Winter Park, Florida.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Self-weighing frequency by Body Mass Index

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