Predictors Of Body Mass Index Research Articles

Fighting the Freshman Fifteen: Sleep, Exercise, and BMI in College Students.

To examine how sleep and physical activity predict body mass index (BMI) in college students. Cross-sectional. Medium-sized public university in the Southeastern United States. 386 undergraduate students (245 females; 18-25 years). Surveys included the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Concise Physical Activity Questionnaire (CPAQ). PSQI provided 5 sleep scores: PSQI Global Score, Sleep Quality Factor Score, Sleep Efficiency Factor Score, Sleep Duration, and Habitual Sleep Efficiency. Height and weight measurements were taken to calculate Body Mass Index (BMI). Correlational analyses were completed first. Linear and moderation regression models using CPAQ as the moderator were used to predict BMI. The Johnson-Neyman technique determined regions of significance where sleep significantly predicted BMI dependent on CPAQ score. Sleep Duration significantly predicted BMI (β= -.385, p = .043) while significant interaction terms predicting BMI were found for Global PSQI Score × CPAQ (β= -.103, p = .015) and Sleep Quality Factor Score × CPAQ (β = -.233, p = .013). Johnson-Neyman analyses demonstrated that better sleep quality (measured by Global PSQI and Sleep Quality Factor Scores) predict lower BMI when exercise levels are low and higher BMI when exercise levels are high. At low levels of exercise, better sleep quality significantly predicts lower BMI, suggesting that interventions designed to increase sleep quality could promote healthy weight maintenance in college students.

Relationship of BMI with Junk Food, sleep pattern, exam performance and awareness about its ill health effects in healthy teenagers.

To evaluate the relationship of body mass index of healthy teenagers with junk food, sleep pattern, exam performance and awareness about its ill effects. The cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2017 at University Medical and Dental College, University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan, and comprised subjects aged 13-19. Data was collected using face-to-face interviews, getting the examnation results from respective educational insititutions and calculating the body mass index, Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Of the 226 subjects, 96(42.5%) were boys with a mean age of 15.68 ±1.83 years, and 130(57.5%) were girls with a mean age of 17.00±1.74 years. Based on body mass index, 35(15.5%) subjects were underweight, 88(39%) were normal, 28(12.4%) overweight, 56(24.7%) pre-obese and 19(8.4%) were obese. The independent predictors of body mass index were higher consumption of soft drinks in males and higher consumption of soft drinks and salt in females (p<0.05). Teenagers were found to be well aware of the ill effects of junk food, but they were found to be happy with their dietary habits and unwilling to change it.

Correlating actual one-year weight loss with predicted weight loss by the MBSAQIP: bariatric surgical risk/benefit calculator.

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has released a Bariatric Surgical Risk/Benefit Calculator, an online tool with which patients and providers can input patient preoperative information and predict their 1-year weight loss. We seek to validate our institutional data with the national database and investigated patient factors that influence lack of treatment effect after bariatric surgery. A retrospective review of all prospectively collected data of bariatric surgeries performed at Yale New Haven Hospital from 2017 to 2018 was conducted. By entering data into the MBSAQIP Calculator, the 1-year predicted Body Mass Index was calculated and compared to the actual weight loss. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired t-test with Welch's correction (Prism 8, GraphPad). The average difference between the actual and predicted weight loss at 1-year for 327 patients was 3.6 BMI points. When the actual weight loss was compared to predicted BMI at 1year, a high correlation was found (R = 0.6, P = 0.003). We examined the outliers with a comparison of weight loss for those patients who's BMI fell within 5 points of the predicted versus those whose BMI recorded above 5. It was discovered those patients who had higher than 5 BMI points than predicted, had higher preoperative BMI (46.1 vs 43.6, P = 0.008). The MBSAQIP calculator is a useful tool to guide surgeons with decision-making and informed consent. Our institution's 1-year weight loss data correlated closely with that predicted. From the outliers, we found that patients who did not meet the predicted weight loss had significantly higher preoperative BMI. This may alter preoperative discussions with class 3 or over obese patients regarding expected weight loss and warrant investigations with the national database to develop modifications of the calculator.

Weekday time in bed and obesity risk in adolescence.

IntroductionSleep curtailment is associated with obesity in children, but few studies have investigated this relationship in a longitudinal sample of adolescents. The aim of the present study was to examine the longitudinal association between weekday time in bed (TIB) at age 10–13 and overweight at age 16–19.MethodsAdolescents and their parents (N = 3025 families), participating in a longitudinal population‐based study, completed questionnaires assessing habitual bedtime and wake time on weekdays, weight and height, socioeconomic status (SES), internalizing mental health problems and disturbed eating. Two surveys were administered with a 6‐year interval (T1 and T2). A one‐way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed examining the association between TIB and weight category 6 years later, with SES, internalizing problems and disturbed eating at baseline entered as covariates. Hierarchical and logistic regression analyses were used to assess TIB at age 10–13 years to as a predictor of body mass index (BMI) standardized deviation scores (SDS) and overweight status at age 16–19 adjusting for the same confounders and baseline BMI.ResultsA linear inverse relationship between TIB at age 10–13 and BMI category at age 16–19 was demonstrated by the ANCOVA, p < 0.001. Shorter TIB was related to higher weight, but the effect size was small (partial eta squared = 0.01). When adjusting for the included baseline confounders in the hierarchical regression model TIB significantly predicted later BMI SDS (β = −0.039, p = 0.02). The adjusted logistic regression model showed that for each hour reduction of TIB at T1 the odds of being overweight/obese at T2 increased with a factor of 1.6.ConclusionShorter TIB was found to be a significant, yet modest, independent predictor of later weight gain in adolescence. The findings implicate that establishing healthy sleep habits should be addressed in prevention and treatment strategies for adolescent obesity.

Correlates of Physical Activity Engagement among Pregnant Women with Overweight and Obesity.

Excess weight during pregnancy increases risk for adverse obstetrical outcomes. Physical activity (PA) may buffer these effects, although it is unclear what factors are associated with PA in women who begin pregnancy with overweight/obesity. The present study sought to characterize the demographic and psychological correlates of PA among women with prepregnancy overweight/obesity. Pregnant women (N=249; mean age, 28.48±5.48years; mean body mass index, 34.13±7.07kg/m2) at 12-20weeks of gestation (mean, 15.68±2.44weeks of gestation) completed ratings of perceived stress and depressive symptoms and were interviewed using the pregnancy version of the Eating Disorders Examination. The Paffenbarger Physical Activity Survey was administered via interview to estimate energy expenditure. Continuous outcomes were evaluated via linear regression, while logistic regression was conducted to assess likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Mean weekly duration of moderate to vigorous PA was 109.50±248.17minutes, with 21% of women meeting federal PA guidelines of 150minutes or more. Higher perceived stress (β=-0.217; p=.02) and eating psychopathology (β=-0.213; p<.01) were associated with lower total energy expenditure. Black women reported lower expenditure specifically from walking compared with White women (β=-0.180; p=.03). Depressive symptoms were not associated with PA. No estimate of PA predicted body mass index. Pregnant women with overweight/obesity engage in modest amounts of PA early in pregnancy, although few meet PA guidelines. Greater perceived stress and eating psychopathology were associated with lower PA engagement. These factors should be monitored by obstetrics providers to identify women who may particularly benefit from counseling about PA during pregnancy.

Changes in weight early in life are important

As obesity and its complications have become an increasingly important health concern for children and adolescents, questions have been asked about potential critical periods for weight gain. A critical period is one in which excess weight gain is more likely to occur or a period in which excess weight gained is more likely to be persistent. In this volume of The Journal, Stock et al report on a study to determine the age during infancy and early childhood at which greater than expected gain in weight is associated with overweight in adolescence. They found that excess gain in weight any time in early life is associated with increased BMI in adolescence, but the impact is stronger after infancy. Although this does not give us information on specific ages or developmental stages on which to focus, it does emphasize that pediatricians must help families focus on healthy diet and physical activity during the first 4 years of life, particularly from age 1 to 4 years. Article page 120 ▸ Birth Weight and Weight Changes from Infancy to Early Childhood as Predictors of Body Mass Index in AdolescenceThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 222PreviewTo assess the time point during infancy and early childhood at which greater than expected weight gain is associated with overweight in adolescence. Full-Text PDF

Loneliness, eating, and body mass index in parent–adolescent dyads from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating study

AbstractLoneliness is a salient risk factor for obesity, emotional eating, and poor diet. Because adolescents and parents are embedded within a family unit, their experiences of loneliness may be associated with both their own and one another's behaviors. To examine the extent to which parent and child loneliness predict body mass index (BMI) and eating in parents and adolescents, an actor–partner interdependence model of loneliness, eating, and BMI in adolescent–parent dyads was analyzed. There were actor effects among adolescents such that greater loneliness was positively associated with emotional eating and BMI‐z, and there was an actor effect among parents such that higher loneliness was positively related to emotional eating. There was a partner effect among adolescents such that greater parental loneliness was positively associated with adolescent emotional eating, and there was a partner effect among parents such that higher adolescent loneliness was positively associated with parental emotional eating. There were several actor–partner effects for loneliness and junk food in dyads with boys. Findings highlight the importance of dyadic models of loneliness in adolescent–parent dyads.

Birth Weight and Weight Changes from Infancy to Early Childhood as Predictors of Body Mass Index in Adolescence

To assess the time point during infancy and early childhood at which greater than expected weight gain is associated with overweight in adolescence. Current height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were assessed in 1520 adolescents (mean age of boys, 15.52±0.84years; mean age of girls, 15.37±0.77years). Information on weight and height trajectories during infancy and early childhood (birth and 6 other time points) was extracted from mother-child booklets. Conditional relative weights were computed to estimate greater or lower than expected weight gain (ie, soft tissue gain at a specific age independent of linear growth), and their association with BMI in adolescence was investigated using linear regression analysis. The mean BMI in adolescence was 21.77±3.69 in boys and 21.70±3.50 in girls. The proportion of overweight was 14.8% in each group. Overweight adolescents had significantly higher weight z-scores at birth, 1.2month, 3.3months, 7.6months, 1year, 2years, and 4years of age as compared with normal-weight adolescents. There were significant positive associations of weight z-scores and conditional relative weights with adolescent BMI at all ages except birth, which were strongest after the first year of life. In a majority of overweight adolescents, overweight had manifested within the first 4years of life. Greater than expected weigh gain at any time in the first years of life is associated with an increased BMI in adolescence. The effect is strongest after the first year.

Associations between body mass index, physical activity and the built environment in disadvantaged, minority neighborhoods: Predictive validity of GigaPan® imagery

BackgroundThe built environment has been shown to influence health in studies of disadvantaged populations using different measurement methods. This study determined whether environmental exposures derived from GigaPan® images could serve as valid predictors of body mass index (BMI), walking and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in a longitudinal study of low-income adults living in two primarily African American neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. GigaPan® is a robotic system used to obtain high-resolution, panoramic images of environments. MethodsMicroscale environmental features along 481 streets were audited in 2015–2016 using an audit form. Environmental exposures were estimated for 731 adult participants, using a sample of street segments within a 0.4 km (0.25 mile) network distance from each participant's residential address. Summary environmental exposures were constructed using factor analysis. We tested associations between participant-level environmental exposures and objectively measured BMI, self-reported walking and objectively measured MVPA in regression models controlling for baseline health and demographic variables. ResultsThree factors representing participants’ environmental exposures were constructed: pedestrian bicycle-amenities; hilly-vacant-boarded; physical activity-recreation/low housing density. Environments with infrastructure and amenities supportive of walking and bicycling were associated with lower BMI (Coef. = ‒0.47, p = 0.02). Frequent walking was less likely in environments with more physical activity and recreation venues/low housing density (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.67, 0.96]). MVPA was not associated with any of the environmental measures and the hilly-vacant-boarded factor was not associated with any of the outcomes. ConclusionsPredictive validity was demonstrated for an environmental exposure factor that captured features supportive of walking and cycling in a model predicting BMI, using built environment audit data from GigaPan® imagery. A complementary analysis found lower odds of frequent walking in the neighborhood among participants with exposure to more physical activity and recreational features, but fewer types and lower density of housing.

Tri-ponderal mass index and body mass index in prediction of pediatric metabolic syndrome: the CASPIAN-V study.

Objective Body mass index (BMI) and tri-ponderal mass index (TMI) are anthropometric measures to evaluate body adiposity in the various age groups. The present study aims to compare the predictive value of TMI and BMI for metabolic syndrome (Mets) in children and adolescents of both genders. Subjects and methods A cross-sectional study conducted on 3731 Iranian children and adolescents aged 7-18 years obtained from the fifth survey of 'Childhood and Adolescence Surveillance and Prevention of Adult Non-communicable Disease' (CASPIAN-V) study. The predictive value of BMI and TMI for MetS were determined using Receiver-operator curves. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between these indices with MetS. Results 52.6% of participants were boys. The mean (standard deviations) age for boys and girls were 12.62 (3.02) and 12.25 (3.05) years, respectively. In boys, the area under the curve (AUC) of TMI was greater than BMI for all age groups. AUC of TMI was also greater than BMI for age group of 11-14 years (AUC = 0.74; 95% CI (0.67, 0.81)) in girls. Furthermore, our findings showed that odds ratio of Mets for TMI was greater than BMI in age groups of 11-14 years (OR = 1.33 vs 1.22) and 15-18 years (1.16 vs 1.15) in girls and boys, respectively. Conclusion TMI and BMI had moderate predictive value for identifying MetS. However, TMI was a better predictor of MetS than BMI in both genders, especially in age groups of 11-14 and 15-19 years for girls and boys.

The economic gradient of obesity in Mexico: Independent predictive roles of absolute and relative wealth by gender.

Despite the vast literature on the economic gradient of obesity, no study investigates the independent predictive roles of absolute and relative standards of living using a large nationally representative adult sample. This gap limits our ability to discern 'material' and 'psychosocial' pathways to obesity as well as our understanding of the role played by economic inequality in the growing obesity epidemic. Using a large and nationally representative Mexican dataset, we find that absolute wealth and relative deprivation are independently related to obesity, and that such relationships are patterned by sex. Absolute wealth predicts body mass index as well as abdominal obesity according to an inverted-U shape for both sexes, and more markedly so for females. Relative deprivation predicts higher body mass index for females and higher waist circumference for both sexes, with highly relatively deprived females being 24.29% (95% CI [24.26, 24.31]) more likely to be obese and 34.46% (95% CI [34.40,34.53]) more likely to be abdominal obese, and highly relatively deprived males being 14.91% (95% CI [14.88,14.93] more likely to be abdominal obese. Our results offer a new perspective on the economic gradient of obesity and highlight the potential impact of economic inequality, especially for women. Greater awareness of the independent and sex-specific roles of the absolute and relative facets of economic status is needed to better understand and address the obesity epidemic.

Childhood predictors of adult obesity in the Chicago Longitudinal Study

Despite obesity being a major concern for both children and adults in the United States today, there are few successful childhood interventions that curb obesity later in life. The objective of the current study is to identify childhood predictors of adult obesity at multiple levels in a large longitudinal sample of participants from an economically disadvantaged childhood cohort. 1065 participants (93% Black) from the Chicago Longitudinal Study were interviewed as part of a 30-year follow-up between 2012 and 2017. Parent involvement, school quality, neighborhood human capital, socioemotional learning skills, and achievement motivation assessed before age 12 years were examined as predictors of Body Mass Index (BMI) at age 35 years. Child neighborhood human capital and socioemotional learning skills predicted a lower BMI in adulthood and a decreased likelihood of being classified as obese; when separately analyzed by sex, both neighborhood human capital and higher socioemotional learning skills predicted a decreased likelihood of obesity for males and females. Being female and higher birthweight were associated with larger adult BMI. Socioemotional learning and neighborhood human capital in childhood consistently predict a decreased likelihood of being obese at age 35 in this predominately Black sample. Future obesity intervention/prevention programs should aim to bolster childhood socioemotional learning resources and neighborhood capital.

Effect of obesity on pulmonary function test in adolescent boys

Background: Obesity is an emerging problem, especially among adolescents due to their lifestyle changes related to the low level of physical activity and high-calorie diet. Excess adipose tissue is often associated with respiratory abnormalities such as a reduction in lung volumes, capacities, and expiratory flow rates. Hence, there is a need to find the pulmonary functions test values among obese adolescents and create awareness of the drawbacks of obesity as this is the high-risk period for the onset of obesity which predicts body mass index in adulthood. Aims and Objectives: The aims of the study were to study the effect of obesity on pulmonary function test (PFT) values in adolescent boys. Material and Methods: PFT was done on 10 obese and 10 nonobese adolescent boys of the age group 12–17 years from Dr. Ulas Patil English Medium School, Bhusawal. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1st s (FEV1), (FEV1/FVC) ratio, and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) were taken as parameters for study. Results: FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and MVV are reduced in obese subjects as compared to nonobese boys and it is statistically highly significant. Conclusion: Results of the study conclude that obesity affects the pulmonary functions and obese adolescents have significantly lower pulmonary functions.

Mood and demographical factors as predictors of body mass index among Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Jordan.

We studied whether mood and demographics are related to body mass index in a population of Syrian and Iraqi refugees residing in Jordan. Questionnaires and Brunel Mood Scale were used to collect demographical data. Data were analyzed using t-test and analysis of variance. A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this population (60.5%). Mood subscales were not associated with body mass index categories. However, body mass index as a continuous variable was associated with anger, depression, and fatigue scores. Linear regression revealed that age, ethnicity, unemployment, chronic illnesses, and physical activity level, but not mood, are associated with body mass index.

Social and Psychological Predictors of Body Mass Index among South Africans 15 Years and Older: SANHANES-1.

This study investigated how psychological distress and the proxies for social position combine to influence the risk of both underweight and overweight in South Africans aged 15 years and older. This was a cross-sectional study that included 2254 men and 4170 women participating in the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1). An analysis exploring the associations of social and mental health characteristics with body mass index (BMI) was conducted using binary and multinomial logistic regressions. Results suggested that, overall, women had a higher risk of overweight/obesity compared to men (age-adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.65; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 3.94–5.50). The gender effect on BMI was smaller in non-African participants (AOR 3.02; 95% CI 2.41–3.79; p-value for interaction = 0.004). Being employed and having a higher level of education were associated with higher risks of overweight and obesity and a lower risk of underweight. Being single or without a spouse and poor mental health were found to increase the odds of being underweight, especially in men. To conclude, there are strong social gradients and important gender and ethnic differences in how BMI is distributed in the South African population.

Nutrition status of nulliparous married Indian women 15-24 years: Decadal trends, predictors and program implications.

In India, 66% of 8 million married adolescents (~5.3 million) are nulliparous and likely to conceive soon. Among married young women aged 20–24 years about 9.1 million are nulliparous. This group remains relatively less reached in maternal nutrition programs. Current estimates of their nutritional status and predictors of body mass index (BMI) are unavailable. Thinness (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), severe thinness (BMI <16 kg/m2), overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 23kg/m2) prevalence estimates are presented based on a sample of 11,265 married nulliparous adolescents (15–19 years, married, no parity) and 15,358 young women (20–24 years, married, no parity) drawn from the National Family Health Surveys 2005–06 and 2015–16. Trends by age, time and state were analysed. Predictors of BMI were investigated using linear regression. Using BMI for age z score (BAZ) as standard reference, BMI cut-off was calculated for thinness (-2SD) and overweight or obesity (+1SD) among married nulliparous adolescents as recommended for population under 19 years. 35% sampled adolescents and 26% young women were thin; 4%-5% severely thin. Overweight or obesity was higher among married nulliparous young women than married nulliparous adolescents (21% versus 11%). Eight in 1000 were short, thin and young and six in 1000 were short, thin, anemic and young. At 15 years of age, prevalence of thinness based on BMI was 46.5% while based on BAZ, 7.6%. At 24 years of age thinness was 22.5%. Decadal reduction in thinness was half among married nulliparous adolescents (4% points) compared with married nulliparous young women (8% points). Decadal increase in overweight/ obesity ranged from 4% to 5% in both age groups. Western states had high prevalence of thinness; Tamil Nadu had highest prevalence of overweight or obesity. Incremental increase in age and wealth increased BMI among young women more than adolescents. BMI was lower among adolescents and young women wanting a child later than soon [β -0.28 (CI -0.49- -0.07), β -0.33(CI -0.56- -0.093), respectively]. BMI cut-off 16.49 kg/m2 and 24.12 kg/m2 had a high sensitivity (100%, 99.7%) and specificity (98.9%, 98.5%) to screen thin and overweight or obese adolescents, respectively. Owing to the high prevalence of both thinness and overweight/obesity among nulliparous married adolescents and women, nutritional anthropometry based screening should be initiated for this target group, along with a treatment package in states with high and persistent malnutrition. Family planning services should be integrated in nutrition programs for this target group to achieve normal nutritional status before conception.

Non-Food Behavioral Regulation at Age 4 Predicts Body Mass Index Growth Trajectory Membership

Non-Food Behavioral Regulation at Age 4 Predicts Body Mass Index Growth Trajectory Membership

Violence Victimization Predicts Body Mass Index One Decade Later among an Urban Sample of African American Young Adults: Sex as a Moderator and Dehydroepiandrosterone as a Mediator.

Psychological stressors such as violence victimization are known contributors to obesity. However, moderators and mediators of this association have not been studied, although they might offer pathways for intervention or prevention. Using a sample of African American young adults, this study tested: (1) the moderating effect of sex on the effect of violence victimization on trajectories of body mass index (BMI), and (2) the mediating effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on this association. This 13-year longitudinal study followed 73 male and 80 female African American young adults who lived in an urban area from 1999 to 2012 when the youth were 20-32years old. The independent variable was violence victimization measured in 1999 and 2000. The dependent variable was BMI measured in 2002 and 2012. The mediator was DHEA measured in 2001 and 2002. Multilevel path analysis was used to test if males and females differed in violence victimization predicting change in BMI (Model I) and the mediating effect of DHEA change on the above association (Model II). The results of Model I suggested that the change in violence victimization from 1999 to 2000 predicted change in BMI from 2002 to 2012 for females, but not males. Based on Model II, the DHEA change from 2000 to 2001 for females fully mediated the association between violence victimization from 1999 to 2000 and increases in BMI from 2002 to 2012. Our findings suggest that violence victimization in urban areas contributes to the development of obesity among African American female young adults and change in DHEA mediates this link. Violence prevention may have important implications for obesity prevention of African American young women who live in unsafe urban areas. This study also suggests that DHEA may be involved in the violence victimization-obesity link for African American women.

Reconsidering the relationship between fast-food outlets, area-level deprivation, diet quality and body mass index: an exploratory structural equation modelling approach

BackgroundInternationally, the prevalence of adults with obesity is a major public health concern. Few studies investigate the explanatory pathways between fast-food outlets and body mass index (BMI). We use structural...

Disorganized attachment predicts body mass index via uncontrolled eating.

Previous research has demonstrated relationships between attachment orientations (expectations of ourselves and others in interpersonal relationships), eating behaviours and obesity. However, such research has been limited to investigations of 'organised' forms of attachment orientations (reflecting coherent and predictable patterns of behaviour). Theoretically, aberrant eating behaviours and body mass index, should also be related to 'disorganized attachment.' Here we test these relationships for the first time in a general population. Secondary data analyses of a pre-existing dataset were conducted (N = 537). Questionnaire measures of organised (avoidant and anxious) and disorganized attachment were included alongside eating behaviour measures (emotional eating, uncontrolled eating and cognitive restraint) and body mass index (BMI). Parallel multiple mediation analysis (PROCESS) showed that uncontrolled eating (but not emotional eating or cognitive restraint) significantly mediated a relationship between disorganized attachment and body mass index (significant indirect relationship; LLCI = 0.02 ULCI = 0.16) when both attachment anxiety and avoidance were included as covariates. We suggest that the mechanism underpinning this indirect relationship is a form of maladaptive affect regulation, but that the behavioural motivators differ from those observed in anxiously attached individuals. Rather than eating being a premeditated strategy used by individuals high in disorganized attachment to manage emotion, opportunities to eat are simply taken as they present themselves. Professionals engaged in addressing eating problems and weight management should consider attachment orientations in their patient assessments and be mindful that attachment disorganized individuals are especially likely to engage in uncontrolled eating behaviours that are associated with a higher BMI.