Structure analysis of the Children's Eating Attitudes Test in overweight and at-risk for overweight children and adolescents

Background: In school-based samples of children, the Children's Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) has a four-factor structure; however, previous studies have not examined its factor structure in samples restricted to overweight youth. Methods: The ChEAT was administered to 220 overweight (BMI ≥ 95th percentile) and 45 at-risk for overweight (BMI 85th-< 95th percentile) children and adolescents. Factors were identified by a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. ChEAT factor scores of children with BMI ≥ 85th percentile were contrasted with those of 152 non-overweight (BMI 5th to < 85th percentile) children and adolescents. Results: Factor analysis generated four subscales described as 'body/weight concern,' 'food preoccupation,' 'dieting,' and 'eating concern.' ChEAT total score, body/weight concern, and dieting subscale scores were positively related to BMI-Z and body fat mass (p's < .05). Compared to non-overweight children, overweight and at-risk for overweight children had higher ChEAT total (9.9 ± 7.4 vs. 6.6 ± 7.8, p < .001), body/weight concern (3.2 ± 3.1 vs. 1.3 ± 3.0, p < .001), and dieting (1.8 ± 2.2 vs. .8 ± 2.3, p < .001) subscale scores. Conclusions: The previously elucidated factor structure of the ChEAT was primarily supported in a sample of overweight children. The emergence of separate body/weight concern and dieting subscales may relate to these children's experiences with attempted weight reduction.