An exploration of the variety of reported eating problems among adults with chronic pain

Chronic pain disrupts many life aspects, including eating behaviors. The bidirectional relationship between chronic pain and eating problems, such as emotional eating or gastrointestinal distress, suggests the need for comprehensive studies on this topic. This study aims to describe the variety and prevalence of self-reported eating problems among adults with chronic pain and to correlate these issues with demographic information and pain-related outcomes. Participants included adults evaluated for pain management at a multidisciplinary clinic (N = 118). Qualitative responses to questions about eating problems were analyzed, and statistical analyses compared those with and without endorsed eating problems. Eating problems were reported by 83 participants (70.3%), revealing themes including restriction, binge eating, fluctuating appetite, and stress eating. Significant differences were found in PTSD symptoms, with higher scores in the eating problem group. Differences were trending toward significance for anxiety, but analyses were limited by sample size. The study highlights the prevalence of a wide range of eating problems among patients with chronic pain that includes and goes beyond formal eating disorder diagnoses. Results underscore the need for social workers to be included in integrated treatment approaches. Future research should include larger sample sizes and validated screening measures for eating problems to enhance understanding and intervention strategies.