Associations between average step counts, variability in step counts and nonhomeostatic eating

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Nutritional science
• Exercise physiology

Background:

• Nonhomeostatic eating drives, such as those related to reward and negative emotions, are linked to weight gain.
• Physical activity (PA) levels, both average and variability, are associated with health and weight outcomes.
• The relationship between PA and nonhomeostatic eating remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between physical activity (PA) and nonhomeostatic eating drives.
• To test the hypothesis that higher average PA and greater consistency in PA are negatively correlated with nonhomeostatic eating.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional correlation study involving 432 adult participants recruited online.
• Objective measurement of PA using wearable monitors for 7 days.
• Self-report measures assessed reward-driven and emotional eating behaviors.

Main Results:

• Average daily steps were negatively associated with emotional eating.
• Variability in daily steps was positively associated with reward-driven eating.
• No significant associations were found between average steps and reward-driven eating, or between step variability and emotional eating after covariate adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Greater average PA levels and lower variability in PA are associated with reduced nonhomeostatic eating.
• Complex associations exist between PA and eating behaviors, potentially influencing weight management and treatment outcomes.
• Findings suggest PA may play a role in modulating eating driven by emotions and rewards.