Loneliness, Binge Eating, and Type 2 Diabetes: A Novel Theoretical Model Evaluation
Emma Reid1, Melissa Oxlad2, Alicia Carter3
1Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia. e.reid@cqu.edu.au.
Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
|March 8, 2026
Summary
Loneliness increases binge eating in Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) patients. Negative emotions fully mediate this link, suggesting loneliness interventions may help reduce binge eating behaviors in T2DM populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Binge eating disorder and loneliness are risk factors for Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM).
- The interpersonal model links interpersonal problems to binge eating via negative affect.
- The role of loneliness in binge eating within T2DM populations requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a loneliness model of binge eating in individuals with T2DM.
- To examine if loneliness predicts binge eating behaviors in T2DM.
- To understand the mediating role of negative affect in the loneliness-binge eating relationship.
Main Methods:
- 192 participants with T2DM completed an online survey.
- Measures included loneliness (UCLA Three-item Loneliness Scale), negative affect (PHQ-4), and binge eating (BEDS-7).
- Structural equation modeling was used to analyze mediation effects.
Main Results:
- The loneliness model of binge eating demonstrated excellent model fit.
- Negative affect fully mediated the relationship between loneliness and binge eating.
- A significant mediation effect was found (95% CI: 0.33, 0.90).
Conclusions:
- Loneliness is a significant factor associated with binge eating in T2DM.
- Interventions targeting loneliness may reduce binge eating behaviors in T2DM patients.
- Findings highlight the importance of addressing loneliness in T2DM management.
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