Momentary mechanisms of binge‐eating symptoms using ecological momentary assessment: The moderating role of food addiction

Abstract

ObjectiveFood addiction (FA) shows phenotypic and diagnostic overlap with eating disorders characterised by binge eating, though it is unknown how momentary processes driving binge‐eating symptoms differ by FA. The present study examined the possible moderating influence of FA severity on momentary mechanisms underlying binge‐eating symptomatology using ecological momentary assessment (EMA).MethodAdults (N = 49, mean age = 34.9 ± 12.1, cis‐gender female = 77.1%) who met criteria for FA and/or binge‐eating disorder completed baseline measures including the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) followed by a 10‐day EMA protocol. Generalised linear mixed models assessed main effects of YFAS, momentary antecedents (affect, impulsivity, food cue exposure, appetite, and eating expectancies) and two‐way interactions between YFAS and within‐person antecedents.ResultsFA severity moderated momentary associations between food cue exposure and subsequent binge‐eating symptoms: the association was stronger among participants with lower but not higher YFAS scores. No other interactions were significant.ConclusionsSome functional associations underlying binge‐eating symptoms vary based on individuals' level of FA symptoms. Future research to further understand how observed associations may differ amongst diverse populations and over course of illness may also inform future prevention and interventions.