Binge eating partially mediates the relationship between body image dissatisfaction and psychological distress in obese treatment seeking individuals

Eat Behav. 2014 Jan;15(1):45-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2013.10.006. Epub 2013 Oct 24.

Abstract

Introduction: We compared the binge eating pathway linking body image dissatisfaction (BID) and psychological distress of obese adults entering and not entering psychological treatment for their weight problems.

Method: 90 obese participants seeking an integrated treatment (OB-IT) and 87 obese participants seeking only medical treatment (OB-MT) for their weight problems completed questionnaires on BID, binge eating and psychological well-being.

Results: Only in the OB-IT group, binge eating behaviors mediated the relationship between BID and psychological distress.

Conclusions: Both BID and binge eating behaviors need to be addressed in the psychological and medical treatment for obesity to enhance psychological well-being.

Keywords: Binge eating; Body image dissatisfaction; Depression; Obesity; Quality of life; Self-esteem.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Bulimia / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / psychology*
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires