Disordered eating in adulthood is associated with reported weight loss attempts in childhood

Objective: To determine whether history of attempted weight loss in childhood (age ≤12 years) is associated with binge eating disorder (BED) and unhealthy weight loss behaviors in adults. Method: Cross-sectional analysis from baseline visit data of 588 participants of a clinical trial. Data were collected from survey answers on health status, nutritional status, weight loss history, and weight loss behaviors. Results: History of childhood weight loss attempts was associated with high odds of BED in adults (odds ratio [OR] 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-6.3) and high odds of unhealthy weight loss behaviors (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.2, 2.6). A linear trend was observed in which young age at first attempted weight loss was associated with increased odds of both BED and unhealthy weight loss behaviors. Discussion: Weight loss attempts in childhood may be a risk factor for the development of unhealthy eating behaviors and BED in adults.