Emotional Eating Mediates the Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Obesity in Latina Women

Abstract

Objective: To examine the mediating role of emotional eating (EE) in the association between food insecurity (FI) and obesity in Latina women.

Design: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study.

Participants: Women (n = 297) were recruited from a community health center in Lawrence, MA.

Variables measured: The 6-item US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Scale was used to measure FI. The Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire Revised 18-item, version 2 was used to measure EE. Measured height and weight were used to calculate body mass index. Covariates included: age, education, marital status, number of children in the house, physical activity, and country of birth.

Analysis: Multivariable logistic and linear regressions. Mediation was tested and the mediated proportion was calculated.

Results: Overall, 36.7% of women experienced FI. In adjusted regression models, FI was positively associated with obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.97; P = 0.02) and EE (β = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.001-0.44; P = 0.05), and EE was positively associated with obesity (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.37-2.42; P < 0.01). When EE was included in the main effects model, FI was not significantly associated with obesity (OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 0.97-2.76; P = 0.06) and EE explained 21% of the association.

Conclusions and implications: Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm the findings. If the findings are confirmed, future studies can explore interventions to ameliorate EE among Latina women experiencing FI, and providers can screen for EE in Latinas experiencing FI.

Keywords: Latina women; emotional eating; food insecurity; obesity.