The relationship between cognitive factors, body image and eating behaviors in obese patients

Abstract

Obesity is a public health problem that increases mortality and morbidity. Dysfunctional cognitions and negative body images may be associated with unhealthy eating behaviors in obese individuals. We aimed to compare the cognitive structures, body images and unhealthy eating behaviors of obese individuals and normal weighted individuals as well as to examine the effects of negative cognitions on dysfunctional attitudes and negative body images on emotional eating, external eating and restrained eating behaviors in obese individuals. 70 obese, 117 normal weight participants were evaluated with Body-Cathexis Scale, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale Short Form and Social comparison scale. It was found that obese participants had significantly more negative automatic thoughts, dysfunctional cognitions and schemas, perceived their body more dissatisfied and higher emotional and restrained eating behaviors compared to normal weight. In addition, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that negative automatic thoughts in obese participants had a predictive effect on emotional and restrictive eating. The findings highlight the importance of body weight thoughts, negative cognitions, dysfunctional attitudes, cognitive restructuring and behavioral interventions in cognitive behavioral therapy, which is an important option in the treatment of obesity. Further research is needed with larger participants in order to better understand eating behaviors and cognitive structures and develop better intervention strategies in the development of obesity.