Abstract
IntroductionIn order to grasp the complex etiology of childhood obesity, we aim to clarify the relationship between external eating and weight. Based on theory and empirical evidence, we claim that inhibition is an important moderator in this association. In our first research question we expected that high external eating would be related to a higher weight status, especially for those with high inhibition problems. Secondly, we explored the moderating role of inhibition in the association between external eating and weight change after a multidisciplinary obesity treatment.MethodWe investigated n=572 participants (51% boys, aged 7–19) with moderate to extreme obesity recruited in a Belgian inpatient treatment center. At intake, parents reported on inhibition (BRIEF), while the children and adolescents reported on their eating behavior (DEBQ). Weight and length were objectively measured pre and post treatment (ADJUSTED BMI). Two hierarchical linear regression models were built to scrutinize the influence of inhibition on the association between external eating and both baseline weight and weight change.ResultsFirst, predicting baseline weight, we found no significant moderating effect of inhibition problems. Second, predicting weight loss, inhibition turned out to be a substantial moderator, specifically in adolescents. Some unexpected gender differences occurred in favor of adolescent boys, in a way that those with high external eating and low inhibition problems lost most weight.ConclusionInhibition problems act as a moderator explaining weight loss, but this only holds for adolescents. This suggests that external eating and inhibition play a complex role in weight loss in certain age and gender categories, and stresses the importance of identifying subgroups for tailoring interventions. For those with high inhibition problems, interventions aimed at increasing inhibition skills might be needed to optimize treatment outcomes.
Highlights
In order to grasp the complex etiology of childhood obesity, we aim to clarify the relationship between external eating and weight
We looked at the percentages of participants showing high, moderate, and low problems of external eating, inhibition, and a combination of both
Correlations between the predictors never exceeded
Summary
In order to grasp the complex etiology of childhood obesity, we aim to clarify the relationship between external eating and weight. The accumulation of fat, the main characteristic of overweight and obesity, is due to an energy imbalance in which intake exceeds expenditure [2] The etiology driving this imbalance is complex, it is recognized that psychological processes initiating maladaptive eating behavior could be seen as a crucial contributor [3]. Schachter and colleagues [6, 7] already posit that an external orientation is a personality trait and refer to external eating as food intake in response to external cues —such as smell, taste, and appearance—overruling internal bodily signals such as hunger and satiety. It has been frequently shown that weight is increased in children, adolescents, and adults who show high external eating patterns, in comparison to individuals without this maladaptive eating behavior [10,11,12,13,14,15]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
