Eating Competence and Gender Identity Are Associated With Weight- and Body-Related Guilt and Shame, Eating Concerns, and Weight Satisfaction in Undergraduates

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if Eating Competence in undergraduates is associated with weight- and body-related guilt and shame, weight satisfaction, and eating concerns, and whether these associations differ by gender identity. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a 127-item survey sent out to undergraduates at a public university in the U.S. in 2020. Participants were categorized as either “Eating Competent” (EC) or “Not Eating Competent” (non-EC) according to their responses on the validated Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Two-factor ANOVAs tested whether Eating Competence and gender identity were associated with weight- and body-related shame; weight- and body-related guilt; weight satisfaction; and eating concerns. Demographic characteristics were evaluated in relation to gender identity. Body trying categories were compared with gender, body mass index (BMI), and body weight perception categories. RESULTS: Of the 1996 student participants, 40% were EC. Gender identity was 72% female, 23% male, and 4% non-binary identities. Males’ mean ecSI 2.0™ score was significantly higher than that of females (32.8 vs. 27.6; P < 0.001) and those of non-binary gender identities (32.8 vs. 24.7; P < 0.001). Eating Competence was significantly associated with lower weight- and body-related guilt and shame, greater weight satisfaction, fewer eating concerns, and with not trying to lose body weight (P < 0.001 in all cases). Participants with a non-binary gender identity had mean scores between males and females in the majority of tested variables. The only exceptions were ecSI 2.0™ scores, for which those of a non-binary gender had the lowest scores of the three groups (mean 24.7), and in weight- and body-related shame scores, where those of a non-binary gender had mean scores identical to females scores (mean 11.9). CONCLUSIONS: In every outcome variable tested, those who were EC had more favorable mean scores than those who were non-EC. Male students had more favorable mean scores than female students (in all cases) or those with a non-binary identity (in some cases). These associations demonstrate the emotional components of eating behaviors and body-related perceptions, and may be helpful in future interventions aimed at improving these traits in undergraduates. FUNDING SOURCES: None to report.