背景:与体重相关的自我监控(WRSM)应用程序被数百万使用,但其使用效果尚不清楚。这项研究调查了基于人群的新兴成年人样本中WRSM与饮食失调之间的纵向关系。
方法:从EAT2010-2018(随时间的饮食和活动研究)招募参与者(n=138)参加混合方法(定量和定性)纵向研究,以了解WRSM的影响。2018年,参与者(Mage=21.7±1.9岁)报告了使用动机和使用的WRSM应用程序类型。2022年收集的因变量(Mage=25.7±1.9年)包括过去一年的无序体重控制行为总数,无序的肌肉构建行为,强迫性锻炼,暴饮暴食。线性和逻辑回归用于调整社会人口统计学,身体质量指数,和基线饮食紊乱。半结构化访谈(n=25)采用归纳主题分析法进行分析。
结果:使用WRSM应用程序进行体重管理的参与者表明,随着时间的推移,无序的体重控制行为有所增加(β=0.894,p=.012)。使用WRSM应用程序进行“健康”饮食与无序的体重控制行为的增加略有关联。(β=0.673,p=0.052)。定性,参与者报告了WRSM和饮食紊乱之间的不同时间性,但相信应用程序的使用鼓励限制/暴饮暴食周期和规范的饮食紊乱。
结论:研究结果表明,WRSM与饮食失调之间的关系可能存在个体差异,但是,使用WRSM应用程序与管理饮食或体重的动机可能会增加饮食紊乱。此外,WRSM应用程序可能会规范或鼓励无序饮食。因此,保障措施,包括筛查和监测,需要确保WRSM不会在WRSM用户之间造成或升级伤害。
对于一些人来说,与体重相关的自我监控应用程序,像MyFitness还是Fitbit,随着时间的推移,可能会导致或恶化新兴成年人的饮食紊乱。然而,似乎是自我监控的动机(例如,管理饮食或体重)可能比他们监测的饮食紊乱风险更为重要。
BACKGROUND: Weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM) apps are used by millions, but the effects of their use remain unclear. This study examined longitudinal relationships between WRSM and disordered eating among a population-based sample of emerging adults.
METHODS: Participants (n = 138) were recruited from EAT 2010-2018 (Eating and Activity over Time study) to participate in a mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative) longitudinal study to understand the impacts of WRSM. In 2018, participants (Mage=21.7 ± 1.9 years) reported motivations for use and types of WRSM apps used. Dependent variables collected in 2022 (Mage=25.7 ± 1.9 years) included past year total number of disordered weight control behaviors, disordered muscle building behaviors, compulsive exercise, and binge eating. Linear and logistic regressions were used adjusting for sociodemographics, body mass index, and baseline disordered eating. Semi-structured interviews (n = 25) were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.
RESULTS: Participants using WRSM apps for weight management demonstrated an increase in disordered weight control behaviors over time (β = 0.894, p = .012). Using WRSM apps for \"healthy\" eating was marginally associated with an increase in disordered weight control behaviors. (β = 0.673, p = .052). Qualitatively, participants reported varied temporality between WRSM and disordered eating, but believed that app use encouraged restriction/binge cycles and normalized disordered eating.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest there may be individual variation in the relationships between WRSM and disordered eating, but that using WRSM apps with the motivation of managing eating or weight may increase disordered eating in some. Additionally, WRSM apps may normalize or encourage disordered eating. Therefore, safeguards, including screening and monitoring, are needed to ensure WRSM does not cause or escalate harm among WRSM users.
For some, weight-related self-monitoring apps, like MyFitnessPal and Fitbit, may cause or worsen disordered eating over time among emerging adults. However, it seems as though the motivation for self-monitoring (e.g., for managing eating or weight) may be more important than what they are monitoring when it comes to disordered eating risk.