Association between emotional eating, energy-dense foods and overeating in Latinos

Latinos experience disparities in obesity. Although causes of obesity are multifactorial, overeating is a major contributor. Emotional eating (EE) is associated with obesity and with intake of energy-dense foods. However, the relationship between EE and overeating, and the mediating role of energy-dense foods on this relationship, has not been studied.

This study examined the association between EE and overeating among Latinos and the potential mediating role of energy-dense food consumption on this relationship.

This study had a cross-sectional design. Participants were recruited from a community health center. EE was assessed with the Three Factor Eating Behavior Questionnaire R18-V2. Overeating was calculated from the Mifflin-St Jeor equation. Energy-dense food intake was assessed with a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Mediation was tested with bootstrapping.

Participants (n = 200) were 53.5% female and 78% were overweight or obese. Approximately 60% of the sample reported EE and 45.5% engaged in overeating. Percentage of calories from energy-dense foods was 23%. EE was significantly associated with overeating (OR total effect = 1.23; 95%CI = 1.03, 1.45) and this relationship was partly mediated by intake of energy-dense foods (OR indirect effect = 1.06; 95%CI = 1.02, 1.15; mediated proportion = 31.5%).

In this Latino sample, EE was positively associated with overeating and intake of energy-dense foods partially mediated this association. Examination of longitudinal associations between EE, energy-dense foods, overeating and obesity is warranted. Understanding these associations may provide information to develop effective interventions to prevent and manage obesity among Latinos.