Bulimic weight-loss behaviors in military versus civilian weight-management programs

Mil Med. 1995 Dec;160(12):616-20.

Abstract

This descriptive study evaluated the presence of bulimic weight-loss behaviors in individuals enrolled in: (1) a military weight-management program (N = 51); (2) a civilian weight-management program (N = 53); and (3) a comparison (military normal-weight) group (N = 51). A modified version of the Stanford Eating Disorders Questionnaire was administered to all subjects. The results indicated that the military weight-management program group reported that they engaged in bulimic weight-loss behaviors two to five times more often than the comparison group, and that they engaged in vomiting, strenuous exercise, or use of sauna/steam room four times as often as the civilian weight-management program group. The results suggest that bulimic weight-loss behaviors may develop in individuals who feel extreme pressure to lose weight.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aerospace Medicine
  • Aged
  • Bulimia* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel*
  • United States
  • Weight Loss*