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

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