Analyzing Eating Behavior within the Military Environment and Culture

Student Member Price: $10.00

A gap exists regarding the ability to measure eating behaviors and mediators of eating behaviors among Warfighters that accounts for the unique military environments, culture, and requirements. To fill this gap, the Military Eating Behavior Survey (MEBS) was developed. The session will educate nutrition professionals on the survey development process to include the constructs the survey measures, phase of development, and the validation process. Speakers in the session will also share results from data gathered by the MEBS which has now been used to examined eating behaviors associated with higher BMI and failing military body composition and physical fitness standards; eating behaviors of high and low performers; emotional eating among service members; body image; relationship between stress, emotional eating, and BMI; weight cycling among Warfighters; and eating behaviors associated with weight cycling. This information can be used by military and civilian health professionals to guide public health initiatives, patient interactions, and patient education materials.

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators

• 4.1.2 Interprets and integrates evidence-based research and literature in decision making.
• 6.2.3 Analyzes and interprets data to form valid conclusions and to make recommendations.
• 8.1.1 Interprets and applies evidence-based comparative standards for determining nutritional needs.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the rationale and methods used to develop the Military Eating Behavior Survey and the knowledge gap it addresses.
• Identify key nutrition behaviors related to performance and health outcomes that have been identified by the Military Eating Behavior Survey, with application to civilian populations.
• Describe how findings from the Military Eating Behavior Survey can be used to guide public health initiatives, patient interactions, and patient education materials.

Speakers

• Julianna Jayne
• Renee Cole