Demographic, Psychological, and Weight-Related Correlates of Weight Control Behaviors Among Active Duty Military Personnel
Abstract
Studies have shown that weight control behavior use among military personnel is highly prevalent. However, the factors associated with engaging in these behaviors remain unexplored. Active duty personnel (N = 3,391) from several U.S. military installations voluntarily completed an anonymous questionnaire assessing weight control behavior use (e.g., vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, diet pills) prior to weigh-in/ physical readiness testing. The majority of participants were enlisted (92.2%), Navy (78.0%), Caucasian (59.2%) men (79.7%). Nearly 23% of the respondents reported engaging in weight control behaviors prior to weigh-in/physical fitness testing. Both weight-related factors and psychological factors were associated with increased odds of engaging in weight control behaviors. Except for body mass index, the associations between demographic factors and use of weight control behaviors, although significant had small effect sizes. Implications for military weight management programs and future research are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA476064
Entities
People
- Crescent A. Seibert
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences