Ecological Momentary Assessment of Eating Episodes in Obese Adults

This study examined emotional, physiological, and environmental correlates of pathological and nonpathological eating episodes in a heterogeneous sample of obese adults. Methods: Community-based participants (n = 50; 84% female [n = 42]; mean [standard deviation] body mass index = 40.3 [8.5]; mean [standard deviation] age = 43.0 [11.9]) recorded all eating episodes and their emotional, physiological, and environmental correlates via ecological momentary assessment for 2 weeks. Generalized estimating equations examined relations between these variables and eating episodes characterized by both self-identified loss of control (LOC) while eating and overeating (binge eating; BE), LOC only, overeating only (OE), and neither LOC nor OE (nonpathological eating). Results: Episodes involving loss of control (BE and LOC) were associated with heightened preepisode and postepisode negative effects (Wald χ2 range, 15.67–24.39; p values < .001), whereas those involving overeating (BE and OE) were associated with the lowest preepisode and postepisode hunger (Wald χ2 range, 18.14–39.75; p values
Source: Psychosomatic Medicine - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research