Understanding food addiction among females using body image, impulsivity, emotional regulation and body mass index

Abstract

This research was to examine the association among psychological and physiological variables with food addiction among females; namely, body image dissatisfaction, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and body mass index (BMI). A quantitative cross-sectional design was employed; the survey was conducted online with Qualtrics. Eighty-eight female participants included, and data were collected using standardised scales, the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), and Adult Lifestyle Scale (ALS). Reliability and validity results were in line with high internal consistency of all measures based on Cronbach alpha score and correlation analysis. Regression model explained 50.8% of the variance in scores of food addiction and model found be good fit. It showed there is significant relationships between BSQ and ALS with; however, BIS and BMI found to be insignificant while measuring food addiction. Based on these finding it would be beneficial for the study stakeholders who are healthcare professionals, public health policymakers, women, fitness and body image advocacy organisations and research institutions to introduce body image awareness programmes in schools and universities and community centres. Also adding emotional regulation training as part of mental health programmes in young women would allow shaping treatment to address food addiction problems.