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Situational cues and momentary food environment predict everyday eating behavior in adults with overweight and obesity
Methods: Intensive longitudinal study using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) over 14 days in 51 adults with overweight and obesity (average body mass index = 30.77; SD = 4.85) with a total of 745 participant days of data. Multiple daily assessments of eating (meals, high- or low-energy snacks) and randomly timed assessments. Cues and the momentary food environment were assessed during both assessment types.
Results: Random effects multinomial logistic regression shows that both internal (affect) and external (food availability, social situation, observing others eat) cues were associated with increased likelihood of eating. The momentary food environment predicted meals and snacking on top of cues, with a higher likelihood of high-energy snacks when fast food restaurants were close by (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.22, 2.93) and a higher likelihood of low-energy snacks in proximity to supermarkets (OR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.38, 3.82).
Conclusions: Real-time eating behavior, both in terms of main meals and snacks, is associated with internal and external cues in adults with overweight and obesity. In addition, perceptions of the momentary food environment influence eating choices, emphasizing the importance of an integrated perspective on eating behavior and obesity prevention.
History
Publication title
Health PsychologyVolume
36Issue
4Pagination
337-345ISSN
0278-6133Department/School
School of Psychological SciencesPublisher
Amer Psychological AssocPlace of publication
750 First St Ne, Washington, USA, Dc, 20002-4242Rights statement
Copyright 2016 American Psychological AssociationRepository Status
- Restricted