Gina Williamson1,2, Claire Guidinger1,2, Nichole R Kelly1,2. 1. Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon. 2. The Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Although Hispanic/Latino populations have some of the highest rates of obesity in the United States, little is known about their loss of control (LOC) eating, a robust predictor of excess weight gain. This study examined the association between body image concerns and LOC eating frequency in a sample of young Hispanic/Latino men. Body mass index (BMI), ethnic identity, and acculturation were examined as potential moderators. METHOD: The sample included 271 Hispanic/Latino men between the ages of 18 and 30 years (Mage = 23.89 ± 3.54; MBMI = 26.46 ± 5.82). Participants completed an online survey and reported on height, weight, and demographic characteristics; concerns with muscularity and body fat; LOC eating frequency in the last 28 days; ethnic identity; and perceived acculturation. RESULTS: Negative binomial regression models were conducted, adjusting for BMI, income, education, and presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Concerns with muscularity and body fat were positively associated with LOC eating frequency (ps < .001). Low BMI exacerbated the link between concerns with body fat and LOC eating frequency (p = .03). The positive association between concerns with muscularity and LOC eating frequency was exacerbated among those who reported low ethnic identity exploration (p = .01). While acculturation did not function as a moderator (ps = .14-.27), it was inversely associated with LOC eating frequency (p < .001). DISCUSSION: BMI and ethnic identity are important individual factors to consider in the link between body image concerns and LOC eating among young Hispanic/Latino men.
OBJECTIVE: Although Hispanic/Latino populations have some of the highest rates of obesity in the United States, little is known about their loss of control (LOC) eating, a robust predictor of excess weight gain. This study examined the association between body image concerns and LOC eating frequency in a sample of young Hispanic/Latino men. Body mass index (BMI), ethnic identity, and acculturation were examined as potential moderators. METHOD: The sample included 271 Hispanic/Latino men between the ages of 18 and 30 years (Mage = 23.89 ± 3.54; MBMI = 26.46 ± 5.82). Participants completed an online survey and reported on height, weight, and demographic characteristics; concerns with muscularity and body fat; LOC eating frequency in the last 28 days; ethnic identity; and perceived acculturation. RESULTS: Negative binomial regression models were conducted, adjusting for BMI, income, education, and presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Concerns with muscularity and body fat were positively associated with LOC eating frequency (ps < .001). Low BMI exacerbated the link between concerns with body fat and LOC eating frequency (p = .03). The positive association between concerns with muscularity and LOC eating frequency was exacerbated among those who reported low ethnic identity exploration (p = .01). While acculturation did not function as a moderator (ps = .14-.27), it was inversely associated with LOC eating frequency (p < .001). DISCUSSION: BMI and ethnic identity are important individual factors to consider in the link between body image concerns and LOC eating among young Hispanic/Latino men.
Authors: Zachary A Soulliard; Eric K Layland; Justin C Smith; Michele D Kipke; Bethany C Bray Journal: LGBT Health Date: 2022-01-03 Impact factor: 4.151