Restrained eating and leptin levels in overweight preadolescent girls.

The relationship between restrained eating and leptin levels 6 months later was investigated. Twenty obese girls, ages 8-12 years, were studied. Degree of restrained eating was assessed with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire. Serum leptin levels were determined 6 months after the measurement of cognitive restraint. Restraint score and leptin levels showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.43) The correlation was also significant when controlling for fat mass (r = -0.61), which is the strongest biological predictor of leptin levels. If lower leptin levels cause a diminished energy expenditure, then paradoxically, restrained eating might be responsible for weight gain in obese individuals because of its promotion of a positive energy balance.