Restrained eating (weight concerns) in the general population and among students

Restrained eating in a random sample of 2115 adults was studied as part of a broad health survey. Interview questions were derived from Herman and Polivy's Restraint Scale (1975, 1980). Restrained eaters were predominantly normal and overweight women under 65 years of age. Significantly more women (20.7%) than men (8.9%) were restrained eaters. A similar prevalence of restrained eating was observed in students and same-age nonstudents. There was substantial overlap (but not congruence) between respondents who were dieting and being a restrained eater. Binge eating was reported more often by restrained eaters than unrestrained subjects. The relationship between restrained eating and bulimia-related atypical eating disorders is discussed.