Body fat fluctuations among female adolescents with restrained eating behaviours

Body fat fluctuation during varying competing academic demand was examined among female adolescents with high (n = 24) or low (n = 24) restrained eating behaviours. Body fat, perceived stress, energy intake, and exercise behaviour were measured three times with 10 weeks between consecutive sessions. High restrained eaters’ body fat increased during a period when academic demands were high. Significant results were found for exercise behaviours but not for food consumption. Post hoc analyses did not reveal significant results for low restrained eaters. The results lend support to Muraven and Baumeister’s limited strength model of self-regulation.

► Female restrained eaters’ body fat increased when academic demands were high. ► Nonrestrained eaters did not have significant changes in body fat within 20 weeks. ► Body fat changes mirrored changes in exercise behaviours but not food intake.