Cognitive restraint and history of weight-loss diet are associated with organic food consumption in a large population-based sample of adults

Abstract Organic food consumption has risen in many countries during the past decades, but individual behaviors leading to these choices remain unclear.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between cognitive restraint, weight loss diet history and organic food intake, in French adults. This cross-sectional analysis included 21,516 participants from the NutriNet-Santé cohort (26.4% male, mean age 55.3 years; SD = 13.8). Cognitive restraint was evaluated by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and practice of weight-loss diet in the past years was assessed by an ad hoc questionnaire. Organic food intake of 17 food groups was assessed by the Organic-Food Frequency Questionnaire. Adjusted means of proportions of organic food intakes out of total food intakes were compared across quartiles of the cognitive restraint score and weight loss diet history. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Women with higher levels of cognitive restraint had in average a lower contribution of organic foods in their diet (26.5% in Q4 vs. 30.9% in Q1; p < 0.0001). In addition, women with a history of weight loss diet had in average a lower contribution of organic foods in their diet (27.1% in current/past vs. 28.5% in never dieters; p = 0.0012). Associations were observed in men for specific food groups. Overall, individuals, and in particular women, with higher cognitive restraint scores or with a history of weight loss diet consumed less organic food. Results suggest that it can be too complex to follow both weight control and organic food choice strategies at the same time.