Bridging executive function and disinhibited eating among youth: A network analysis

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Poorer executive function (EF) is associated with disinhibited eating in youth, potentially predisposing them to obesity.
• The precise interconnections between EF facets and disinhibited eating require further elucidation.
• Network analysis offers a framework to understand these complex relationships and identify maintenance processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the network structure of executive function and disinhibited eating facets in youth.
• To identify central symptoms and bridge variables within this network.
• To gain insights into the mechanisms underlying maladaptive eating behaviors.

Main Methods:

• A regularized partial correlation network was estimated for executive function and disinhibited eating variables in youth aged 8-17 years.
• Executive function was assessed using computerized neurocognitive tasks measuring decision-making, inhibitory control, delayed gratification, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.
• Disinhibited eating was measured via laboratory test meal intake (carbohydrate-fat) and self-reported eating in the absence of hunger, emotional eating, and loss-of-control eating.

Main Results:

• Emotional eating in response to depressive symptoms was identified as a central network symptom.
• Carbohydrate-fat intake exhibited the highest bridge expected influence.
• General inhibitory control was the most strongly connected executive function variable to carbohydrate-fat intake (part r = .14).

Conclusions:

• The connection between general inhibitory control and palatable food intake appears crucial in maintaining maladaptive eating behaviors.
• Interventions targeting behavioral disinhibition may help disrupt the network of disinhibited eating facets in youth.
• Further longitudinal research is warranted to explore these relationships over time.