Loss of control may uniquely predict negative affect among the disinhibited eating experiences of high-risk young men

Loss of control (LOC) eating is a disordered eating behavior that is prevalent but understudied among men. It is common for men with LOC eating to concurrently engage in diverse eating behaviors characterized as disinhibited. It remains unclear which eating qualities are most distressing for men. This study evaluated the link between disinhibited eating qualities and subsequent negative affect in young men.

42 men (18-35 y) who reported engaging in ≥4 LOC eating episodes in the prior month completed a 14-day ecological momentary assessment protocol. For each meal and snack, participants were asked to rate the extent to which they felt they overate; lost control; ate more than planned; ate mindlessly; had concerns about wasting food; and were encouraged to eat more by others. State negative affect was evaluated during random intervals five times per day.

After adjusting for previous negative affect and time between ratings, five of the six eating qualities were significantly and positively associated with subsequent negative affect according to between-participant findings (ps < 0.026). In within-participant analyses, only LOC was significantly and positively associated with subsequent negative affect (p = 0.044).

While a range of disinhibited eating qualities are correlated with negative affect in a sample of young men, a sense of LOC while eating may be a promising target for interventions focused on improving the psychological functioning of high-risk young men.