Examination of the relationships between dietary restraint, alcohol, and adverse problems among women.

OBJECTIVE: Women who report greater chronic dieting consume more alcohol, drink more frequently, and experience greater problems than women who report less chronic dieting. Alcohol may also temporarily disrupt a woman's dietary rules, leading to increased caloric intake and subsequent restriction. This study examined whether alcohol use mediated the relationship between dietary restraint and alcohol problems in a woman's daily life.

PARTICIPANTS: Women (N = 59) completed the study by the fall of 2013.

METHODS: Participants completed up to six assessments for 10 days, including intended dietary restraint, alcohol use, and problems.

RESULTS: Drinking quantity partially mediated the relationship between dietary restraint and alcohol problems. For each drink consumed, there was a 1.4 times greater likelihood of eating after drinking, which was associated with greater intention to subsequently restrict calories.

CONCLUSIONS: The types of drinks consumed and reasons for restricting one's caloric intake may inform the relationship between these behaviors.