The Effects of Weight and Nutrition Education on Weight Control Beliefs, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Eating Patterns in Undergraduate Dieters

The Effects of Weight Science and Nutrition Education on Weight Control Beliefs, Body Image, Self-Esteem and Eating Patterns in Undergraduate Dieters

People who diet typically believe they can control their weight. People who believe they should control their weight are more likely to have poor body image, low self-esteem and disordered eating. People who believe they should aim for a healthy lifestyle and accept their natural weight have better body image, better self-esteem and less disordered eating. This study will compare three types of education in undergraduate dieters. In the first, the investigators will teach how the body naturally controls weight. In the second, the investigators will teach about healthy eating. In the third, the investigators will teach about how the body naturally controls weight and healthy eating. The study is testing whether teaching about how the body naturally controls weight and healthy eating changes people's beliefs about weight. The study also tests whether changing people's beliefs about weight will change their body satisfaction, their feelings about themselves, and their intention to diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Undergraduate students at McMaster University
• Individuals who are restricting their eating to try and lose weight.
• Self-identified women
• Ages 18 or over
• Normal (or corrected to normal) hearing
• Normal (or corrected to normal) vision

Exclusion Criteria:

- Self-identified men