Body Dissatisfaction and Binge Eating in Obese Women: The Role of Restraint and Depression

OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between body dissatisfaction and binge eating, and the mediating role of restraint and depression among obese women. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Participants were obese women taking part in a cognitive-behavioral treatment program who completed self-report measures at baseline (n = 89) and post-treatment follow-up (n = 69). RESULTS: At baseline, body dissatisfaction was strongly correlated with binge eating score. This was partly a direct effect and partly mediated by depression. No mediating effect of restraint was observed. Over the treatment period, a reduction in body dissatisfaction was associated with a reduction in binge-eating score. As in the cross-sectional data, there was evidence for mediation by change in depression with the greatest improvement in binge eating among those who became more restrained and less depressed. DISCUSSION: These results suggest that it would be valuable to address psychological well-being, and especially body image, as part of the management of binge-eating behavior in obesity.