Eating Behaviors Are Associated With Physical Fitness and Body Composition Among US Army Soldiers

ObjectiveExamine associations between soldiers’ eating behaviors, compliance with body composition and fitness standards, physical performance.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingEight Army installations.ParticipantsUS Soldiers (n = 1,591; 84% male).Main Outcome MeasuresCharacteristics, level were assessed via questionnaire.AnalysisBivariate multivariable logistic regression.ResultsEating mostly at a dining facility was associated lower odds of failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26–0.73); whereas, fast rate (OR, 1.51; CI, 1.05–2.17) or often/always ignoring satiety cues 2.12; 1.06–4.27) higher failure. Eating fast-food/convenience meals 1.75; 1.19–2.59) 1.42; 1.04–1.93) Skipping breakfast high performance 0.41; 0.23–0.74); nutrition education 1.02; 1.01–1.04).Conclusions ImplicationsAs behaviors are modifiable, findings suggest opportunities for improving the specificity health promotion programs.