The rising global overweight/obesity rate has led to an increase of research attention in one of its antecedents: addiction-like eating (AE). Under the framework of life history (LH) theory, the present study aimed at examining not only the association between AE and body mass index (BMI) but also the effects of LH strategy on AE, via two cognitive mediators (i.e., compensatory health beliefs CHB and personal relative deprivation PRD). A convenience sample of 660 Chinese adults (45.9% males, Mage=33.33, SD = 7.62, Range = 19–69 years) was recruited to participate in an anonymous online survey. Bivariate correlations revealed significant positive association between AE and BMI (r = 0.12, p < 0.001) and negative association between slow LH strategy and AE (r = − 0.38, p < 0.001). Path analyses revealed both significant direct (β=−0.15, 95%CI − 0.23, − 0.06) and indirect effects (via CHB and PRD) of LH strategy on AE (β=−0.06, 95%CI − 0.10, − 0.03 and β=−0.16, 95%CI − 0.20, − 0.11). Additional model testing provided preliminary evidence that AE fully mediated the association between LH strategy and BMI (β=−0.03, 95%CI − 0.06, − 0.01). The indirect effect of LH strategy on BMI, via CHB/PRD and AE, serially, was also significant (β=−0.02, 95%CI − 0.03, − 0.01 and β=−0.04, 95%CI − 0.06, − 0.02). Our study provided additional empirical support regarding the capacity of LH theory to shed light on the mechanisms underlying behavioral addiction. This study was the first of its kind to examine how LH strategy may stimulate resource-related cognitive beliefs, which contribute to addictive behaviors and associated outcomes. Findings have useful implications regarding future research directions and interventions targeting AE and weight control. Addiction-like eating refers to maladaptive eating patterns that involve a strong sensitivity to unhealthy foods and reduced ability to control food consumption, often leading to higher risk of overweight and obesity. This study explored what psychological factors might influence addiction-like eating and body weight, using the life history theory approach, which explains how people make decisions based on their environment and resources. Based on self-report data, the study findings suggest that people who tend to invest resources in a slower development pattern for better quality and long-term goals over quantity and immediate gratification would be associated with lower levels of addiction-like eating and in turn healthier body weight. They are also less likely to believe they can "make up" for unhealthy behaviors later with healthy or "compensatory" behaviors as well as to feel unfairly deprived when compared to others in socially advantaged positions. Such belief and frustrated feeling may increase risk for addiction-like eating and overweight. This study emphasizes the importance of reshaping psychological beliefs to help manage maladaptive eating behaviors and support healthier weight outcomes.
Ling et al. (Tue,) studied this question.