Evaluating components of existing theories for loss of control eating in a sample of young racially/ethnically diverse men. (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kelly, Nichole R.; Kosty, Derek; Guerricabeitia, Lisa; Guidinger, Claire; Williamson, Gina
• Is Part Of: Body image. Volume 35(2020)
• Page Start: 63
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Loss of control eating -- Binge eating -- Men -- Theory -- Body image; Body image -- Periodicals; Body image -- Research -- Periodicals; Body Image -- Periodicals; 306.4613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.08.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1740-1445

Abstract

Highlights: Few studies have evaluated theories for loss of control (LOC) eating in men. Higher levels of body fat concerns were directly linked to LOC eating frequency. Dieting, compulsive exercise, and emotional dysregulation mediated this association. Higher levels of muscularity concerns were not linked to LOC eating frequency. However, emotion dysregulation mediated this association. Abstract: The current study evaluated components of existing theoretical models for loss of control (LOC) eating in young men. The link between body image concerns, including concerns with fat and muscularity, and LOC eating frequency was evaluated in 1109 ethnically/racially diverse men (18–30y). Dietary restraint, compulsive exercise, and emotion dysregulation were evaluated as putative mediators. Body mass index (BMI) and race/ethnicity were examined as moderators. Participants completed online surveys. Path analyses in M plus tested indirect paths using the bias-corrected bootstrap method. Higher body fat concerns were directly linked to LOC eating frequency and indirectly linked through greater dietary restraint, compulsive exercise, and emotional dysregulation ( p s<.01). The link among fat concerns, restraint, and LOC eating frequency was moderated by body mass, such that this association was particularly strong for men with a low-to-average BMI relative to those with a high BMI ( p < .001). Higher muscularity concerns were not directly linked to LOC eating frequency but were indirectly linked through greater emotion dysregulation ( p < .001). Body image concerns are associated with LOC eating in young men. The pathways to LOC eating may differ depending on the nature of men's body image concerns (muscularity vs. thinness). Prospective data are needed to verify these findings.