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Light and Food: Body Image Moderates the Effects of Chronotype on the Risk to Develop an Eating Disorder
Anat Lan1, Lior Harel1, Haim Einat1
1School of Behavioral Sciences, Academic College of Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Tel-Aviv 6818220, Israel.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Evening chronotypes face higher eating disorder (ED) risk, particularly when they have negative body image. Improving body image may reduce this risk for evening types. This highlights the interplay of circadian rhythms and psychosocial factors in ED vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Chronobiology
- Eating Disorder Research
Background:
- Evening chronotypes exhibit increased psychological vulnerabilities, including mood disorders and disordered eating.
- Body image is a critical factor influencing the risk of developing eating disorders (EDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if body image moderates the association between chronotype and eating disorder risk.
- To understand the combined influence of circadian preference and body image on ED vulnerability.
Main Methods:
- 165 adults completed validated questionnaires for chronotype, body image, and ED risk.
- Pearson correlations and moderation analyses (PROCESS macro, Model 1) were employed.
- Body image was tested as a moderator between chronotype and ED risk.
Main Results:
- Eveningness correlated significantly with higher ED risk and more negative body image.
- Negative body image strongly predicted increased ED risk.
- A significant interaction indicated the chronotype-ED risk link is stronger with poorer body image.
Conclusions:
- Body image plays a crucial moderating role in the relationship between chronotype and ED vulnerability.
- Interventions targeting body image improvement may be particularly beneficial for evening chronotypes.
- Integrating circadian and psychosocial factors is vital for ED prevention and intervention.
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