Negative and positive emotional eating and food cravings related to weight loss during weight management

Emotional eating and food cravings are common among adults living with overweight or obesity. This study investigated these in relation to weight-management success and reports on strategies for managing emotional eating. A quasi-prospective study design was used including an online survey completed by 3,834 adults on a community weight management programme. Measures included negative and positive emotional eating (BEES) and food craving (CoEQ). Additionally, objectively measured body weight over the previous 12 weeks was obtained and participants were grouped into Higher (>10%, N=962), Moderate (5-10%, N=2156), and Lower (<5%, N=716) weight loss groups. Open questions were used to explore strategies for managing emotional eating. Between-group differences were tested using univariate ANOVAs, with Tukey post hoc comparisons where significant effects emerged. Open ended responses were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and mapped onto the Behaviour Change Taxonomy. Respondents were mostly female (92.0%), mean age=57.2 years, and BMI=32.1 kg/m². Results showed participants had lost 3.7 BMI units over the previous 12 weeks. Higher weight loss was strongly associated with lower negative and positive emotional eating, fewer food cravings and eating control difficulties. Prominent themes for managing emotional eating were distraction (31.7%) and physical activity along with healthier food substitutions, planning and positive mindset. Group social support was also highlighted. These data highlight the perceived importance of psychological and group-based social support in weight management.