Breaking the link: The moderating role of mindful eating behaviour in the relationship between binge eating and body mass index

Background There is growing recognition of the positive role of mindful eating in improving eating behaviours and weight management. Aim However, there is limited research that explored how mindful eating behaviour (i.e., regulated attention while eating) may moderate the association between binge eating (BE) and body mass index (BMI), which was the primary aim of the present research. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 146 participants were recruited through online opportunity sampling to complete an online survey administered via QuestionPro exploring BE, mindful eating behaviour, and BMI, and bivariate correlations and Hayes’ PROCESS Macro were used to explore relationships and moderations. Summary Findings suggested that there is a significant positive association between BE and BMI, which was moderated by mindful eating behaviour with a significant interaction effect ( p < .001). Specifically, in individuals who scored low in mindful eating behaviour, there was a significant relationship between BE and BMI, while higher scores made this relationship non-significant. While mindful eating may not directly reduce the frequency of BE in all contexts, it serves as a factor that weakens the positive association between BE and BMI. The research, therefore, emphasised the potential of mindful eating behaviour as a targeted intervention for individuals at risk of weight-related health difficulties. Implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research are discussed.