Dietary and Behavioral Prediction of Obesity in the Navy

This study examined the relationships between obesity, dietary intake, and health and food-related behaviors. The sample (N=153) consisted of lean and overweight Navy men and women. Dietary findings indicated that overweight males consumed significantly fewer calories and less carbohydrate than lean males; however, non-significant trends showed that overfat males consumed more cholesterol and sucrose than normal weight males. Overfat females ate significantly more fat, cholesterol, saturated fat, and sodium than normal weight females. For the sample as a whole, carbohydrate intake was negatively related to percent body fat, such that those with higher percent fat were less likely to eat carbohydrates than those of normal weight. Overweight participants, especially those who were older, were more likely to have food obsessions and engage in emotional eating. Navy weight reduction treatment programs might target specific eating behaviors to increase carbohydrate and decrease fat in the diets of overweight personnel; additionally, psychological counseling for emotional/obsessional eating behaviors is warranted. Keywords: Diet, Dietary behavior, Physiology, Psychology, Obesity, Exercise, Food nutrition, Navy men and women.