Cognitive and weight-related correlates of flexible and rigid restrained eating behaviour

Examine the association between components of restrained eating, cognitive performance and weight loss maintenance. 106 women, all members of a commercial slimming organisation for at least 6months (mean±SD: 15.7±12.4months), were studied who, having lost 10.1±9.7kg of their initial weight, were hoping to sustain their weight loss during the 6month study. Dietary restraint subcomponents flexible and rigid restraint, as well as preoccupying cognitions with food, body-shape and diet were assessed using questionnaires. Attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli was measured using a modified Stroop test. Working memory performance was assessed using the N-back test. These factors, and participant weight, were measured twice at 6month intervals. Rigid restraint was associated with attentional bias to food and shape-related stimuli (r=0.43, p