A recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity investigated the role of emotional eating and body dissatisfaction in weight change and mental health. The study included 7,388 adults followed over four years and used mixed effects and regression models for analysis.
Key Findings:
Financial hardship predicted increased BMI not only due to reduced physical activity but also amplified emotional eating. This connection was revealed in structural equation models.
Emotional eating and body dissatisfaction were found to independently mediate negative outcomes. Emotional eating partly mediated the effect of baseline anxiety and depression on BMI increases, while body dissatisfaction contributed to lower quality of life (QoL) as BMI rose.
Interestingly, BMI trajectories were not associated with anxiety and depression at follow-up once baseline mental health was considered. However, they were linked to body dissatisfaction and lower QoL.
The relationship between emotional eating and BMI was stronger among women and those with low physical activity.
Implications:
The study suggests a bidirectional relationship, where emotional eating and body dissatisfaction may lead to increased BMI, which further exacerbates these issues, negatively affecting quality of life. These findings emphasize the psychosocial and behavioral factors (like emotional eating and body dissatisfaction) that influence BMI and mental health outcomes, crucial in understanding obesity and mental health concerns.
Other Insights:
Screen time emerged as a key driver of weight gain, with each additional hour of screen time correlating with a 0.2 kg/m² increase in BMI.
Strong social ties did not prevent BMI increases, but weak social support worsened body dissatisfaction.
Study Limitations:
The study, while robust, has limitations, including its observational design and reliance on self-reported data, which may affect the ability to draw causal conclusions.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the critical roles of emotional eating and body dissatisfaction in weight management and mental health promotion strategies. The findings are essential for developing prevention and intervention strategies aimed at addressing both obesity and mental health issues.
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