Body dissatisfaction and binge eating in obese women: the role of restraint and depression.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating, and the mediating role of restraint and depression among obese women.

RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Participants were obese women taking part in a cognitive-behavioral treatment program who completed self-report measures at baseline (n = 89) and post-treatment follow-up (n = 69).

RESULTS

At baseline, body dissatisfaction was strongly correlated with binge eating score. This was partly a direct effect and partly mediated by depression. No mediating effect of restraint was observed. Over the treatment period, a reduction in body dissatisfaction was associated with a reduction in binge-eating score. As in the cross-sectional data, there was evidence for mediation by change in depression with the greatest improvement in binge eating among those who became more restrained and less depressed.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that it would be valuable to address psychological well-being, and especially body image, as part of the management of binge-eating behavior in obesity.