Background: The aim of the present study was to identify eaters profiles using the latest advantages of Machine Learning approach to cluster analysis.
Methods: A total of 317 participants completed an online-based survey including self-reported measures of body image dissatisfaction, bulimia, restraint, and intuitive eating. Analyses were conducted in two steps: (a) identifying an optimal number of clusters, and (b) validating the clustering model of eaters profile using a procedure inspired by the Causal Reasoning approach.
Results: This study reveals a 7-cluster model of eaters profiles. The characteristics, needs, and strengths of each eater profile are discussed along with the presentation of a continuum of eaters profiles.
Conclusions: This conceptualization of eaters profiles could guide the direction of health education and treatment interventions targeting perceptual and eating dimensions.
Keywords: COVID-19; Causal Reasoning; body dissatisfaction; bulimia; intuitive eating; restraint.