The eating attitudes and the prevalence of bulimic behaviors in a group of 300 late adolescents were investigated using the key questions from the Bulimia Investigatory Test, Edinburgh (BITE), and additional questions. Only four subjects (1.3%) scored above the cut-off point on the BITE, and prevalence rates of males and females were the same.…

Noting that obesity among children is a major public health concern, this study sought to determine the relationship between the weight of mothers and weight of their offspring. Based on the literature review, the correlation between weight of mother and weight of offspring appears to be inconclusive. The subjects studied were 62 mothers and one…

Following a review of research literature on eating disorders and the fitness image, the report finds that five socio-cultural influences have been associated with the increase and prevalence of eating disorders: the pressure to be thin; glorification of youth; the changing role of females; media image and marketing of the super woman; and the…

An examination of the interaction of social and cultural influences on body image development may yield an explanation for the development of eating disorder behavior, especially in understanding the special problems facing women athletes. There appear to be two major sociocultural factors influencing the development of body image in the…

The prevalence of variables frequently associated with low birthweight was compared in samples of 100 low-birthweight (LBW) infants and 100 normal birthweight infants, and the association with central nervous system function at 7 years was examined in LBW Ss. (Author/CL)

Previous research investigating the relationship between body build and personality stereotypes found that the mesomorphic build was attributed positive qualities while the endomorph and ectomorph were assigned negative qualities by both males and females. More recent research has revealed a potential shift in body build preferences as standards…

Heightened concern about eating behavior has been expressed in recent surveys of high school and college students. There have been increased requests for treatment of eating disorders among college students and many colleges have developed programs that provide treatment for students afflicted with an eating disorder. The Eating Disorder Inventory…

Testimony and prepared statements on child fitness and health in the United States were presented at this hearing. Physical fitness experts testified on: (1) the potential dangers faced by physically unfit children; (2) the connection between obesity and cardiovascular diseases; (3) the role of physical education and athletics in keeping children…

Children diagnosed with environmentally based failure to thrive early during their first year of life were seen at 12 and 18 months for assessment of psychological development (cognition, language, symbolic play, and behavior during testing). Based on a transactional model of outcome, factors reflecting biological vulnerability (wasting and…

The present research program began as a preliminary attempt to examine the relationship between client and treatment loci of control as a predictor of success in weight control programs. In the first phase of the research, individuals previously attempting weight loss, and the programs they had pursued, were classified as being either primarily…

This examination of the reactions of women who are binge eaters to television advertising tested three hypotheses: (1) women who binge experience more negative emotional reactions to television ads, especially ads emphasizing food or weight control; (2) highly feminine women, or women with large real-ideal sex role gaps, react negatively; and (3)…

Personality and physiological, cognitive, and environmental factors have all been suggested as critical variables in smoking cessation and relapse. Weight gain and the fear of weight gain after smoking cessation may also prevent many smokers from quitting. A sample of 45 adult smokers participated in a study in which three levels of preventive…

Good nutrition for athletes demands plenty of water, since water is essential to such vital functions as muscle reactions. Dehydration can result from jet travel as well as from exercise and heat, making it a danger to traveling athletic teams. To avoid dehydration, water needs should be monitored by frequent weighing, and a clean water supply…

Based on an analysis of 46 small geographic areas, birth weight statistics were related to variables of income, home maintenance, medical and dental care, and aid to dependent children. It was suggested that birth weight statistics may be more effective than infant mortality statistics for many purposes where death data are now used. (EH)