Do COVID-19-Related Stress, Being Overweight, and Body Dissatisfaction Contribute to More Disordered Eating in Polish Women?—A Cluster Analysis Approach

Abstract

We hypothesized that women who are overweight, experiencing COVID-19-related stress, and with high body dissatisfaction would have significantly greater disordered eating than those of healthy weight, without stress, and with low body dissatisfaction. Participants (N = 1354 women; Mage= 31.89 years, SD = 11.14) filled in the Contour Drawing Rating Scale, the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire, the Eating Motivation Survey, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire, and a COVID-19-related stress measure and sociodemographic survey. The cluster analysis technique revealed four distinct clusters: (a) Cluster 1 (N = 314): healthy body weight, no COVID-related stress, and low body dissatisfaction (M = 1.19); (b) Cluster 2 (N = 131): overweight, no COVID-related stress, and high body dissatisfaction (M = 2.41); (c) Cluster 3 (N = 597): healthy body weight, COVID-related stress, and low body dissatisfaction (M = 1.27); (d) Cluster 4 (N = 312): overweight, COVID-related stress, and high body dissatisfaction (M = 2.84). Generally, our outcomes partially support our hypothesis, as higher levels of some types of disordered eating were observed in women who were overweight with COVID-related stress and high body dissatisfaction (Cluster 4) as compared with women with healthy body weight, no COVID-related stress, and with low levels of body dissatisfaction (Cluster 1). Our results indicate that both body weight status, as well as COVID-19-related stress and body dissatisfaction, may contribute to the intensity of disordered eating. During future epidemic-related quarantines, this may be an argument in favor of organizing support regarding emotional functioning, body image, and eating behaviors, particularly for the most vulnerable groups—including overweight and obese women.

Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptual disturbances and dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors: A review of the literature

“…In women, the authors found a significant self-reported increase of media pressure towards thin/low fat ideals but also an increase in appearance evaluation ( Baceviciene and Jankauskiene, 2021 ). Czepczor-Bernat et al (2021) conducted a cross-sectional study in Poland from January to March 2021. With their cluster-analysis, the authors revealed the presence of a group of women with a risky pattern of disordered eating behaviors ( N = 1,354).…”

“…With their cluster-analysis, the authors revealed the presence of a group of women with a risky pattern of disordered eating behaviors ( N = 1,354). Specifically, overweight women, with high body dissatisfaction and COVID-related stress, presented higher levels of disordered eating (e.g., emotional overeating, affect regulation motive for eating; Czepczor-Bernat et al, 2021 ). In a longitudinal study conducted in Italy (T0: first lockdown in Italy, March–April 2020; T1: time of eased restriction, June 2020) among members of a Facebook online community focused on eating disorders ( N = 115), Mannino et al (2021) found that a greater fear of COVID-19 during the first lockdown was associated with self-reported time spent on Facebook, which in turn predicted disordered eating cognitions after 2 months.…”

“…With their cluster-analysis, the authors revealed the presence of a group of women with a risky pattern of disordered eating behaviors (N = 1,354). Specifically, overweight women, with high body dissatisfaction and COVID-related stress, presented higher levels of disordered eating (e.g., emotional overeating, affect regulation motive for eating; Czepczor-Bernat et al, 2021). 2020).…”

Epidemiological Transition in Indonesia and Its Prevention: A Narrative Review

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies stated that eating disorders occurred as a coping mechanism or emotional eating to release anxiety due to the impact of the pandemic, which is related to an increase in food intake, resulting in overweight and obesity [34]. In general, adolescents choose unhealthy foods like sugary, salty, and fast foods that contribute to weight gain [35].…”

A Qualitative Study Exploring Management of Food Intake in the United Kingdom During the Coronavirus Pandemic

“…Frequent occurrence of negative affect may increase risk for disordered eating through disruption to exercise routines, comparison of body image through social media and social isolation ( Rodgers et al, 2020 ). Notably, Czepczor-Bernat et al (2021) found that disordered eating was significantly higher for women who had high COVID-related stress, were overweight and had high body dissatisfaction, in comparison to women with a healthy body weight, no COVID-related stress and low body dissatisfaction. These findings are consistent with the homeostatic theory of obesity ( Marks, 2015 ) which suggests weight gain is linked to various body systems through a “circle of discontent.” For instance, the theory suggests reciprocal relationships between (1) body dissatisfaction and negative affect, (2) negative affect and consumption of energy dense foods and beverages, (3) consumption of energy dense foods and overweight/obesity, and (4) overweight/obesity and negative affect.…”