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Elevated cognitive dietary restraint mediates the relationship between greater impulsivity and more frequent binge eating in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders

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Abstract

Purpose

The current study aimed to examine the relationships between impulsivity, dietary restraint, and binge eating frequency in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was conducted on baseline data from three ongoing or recently completed clinical trials. 148 participants diagnosed with a DSM-5 eating disorder characterized by binge eating were administered a clinical interview to assess dietary restraint and binge eating frequency and completed a self-report measure of trait impulsivity.

Results

Mediation analyses found that increased dietary restraint mediated the relationship between higher impulsivity, particularly greater positive urgency and sensation-seeking, and more frequent binge eating episodes.

Conclusion

While more research using momentary assessment methods is necessary to confirm our findings, results from the current study call attention to the potential role of dietary restraint in the impulsivity-binge eating relationship for individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders.

Level of evidence

Level V descriptive study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 3201 Chestnut Street, Stratton Hall 119, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Megan L. Michael & Adrienne Juarascio

Authors
  1. Megan L. Michael
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  2. Adrienne Juarascio
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Correspondence to Megan L. Michael.

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Conflict of interest

Not applicable.

Ethical approval

The three ongoing or recently completed clinical trials used for secondary data analysis in the current study were approved by the Drexel University Institutional Review Board.

Consent to participate/publication

Participants provided informed consent to participate in the clinical trial and for their data to be used for research.

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Michael, M.L., Juarascio, A. Elevated cognitive dietary restraint mediates the relationship between greater impulsivity and more frequent binge eating in individuals with binge-spectrum eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 26, 2795–2800 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01153-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01153-0

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