Emotional Eating Interventions for Adults Living with Overweight or Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Feb 3;20(3):2722. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20032722.

Abstract

Background: Emotional eating (EE) may be defined as a tendency to eat in response to negative emotions and energy-dense and palatable foods, and is common amongst adults with overweight or obesity. There is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions that address EE.

Objectives: To synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of EE interventions for weight loss and EE in adults living with overweight or obesity.

Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. Adhering to the PRISMA guidance, a comprehensive electronic search was completed up to February 2022. Random effects meta-analysis was carried out to determine the percentage change in weight and EE scores.

Results: Thirty-four studies were included. The combined effect size for percentage weight change was -1.08% (95% CI: -1.66 to -0.49, I2 = 64.65%, n = 37), once adjusted for publication bias. Similarly, the combined effect size for percentage change in EE was -2.37%, (95% CI: -3.76 to -0.99, I2 = 87.77%, n = 46). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy showed the most promise for reducing weight and improving EE.

Conclusions: Interventions to address EE showed promise in reducing EE and promoted a small amount of weight loss in adults living with overweight or obesity.

Keywords: behaviour; emotional eating; mindfulness; obesity; systematic review; weight.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Emotions
  • Humans
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Overweight* / psychology
  • Overweight* / therapy
  • Weight Loss