Exploring the relationship between food addiction, self-esteem, and impulsivity in adults enrolled in local weight loss programs

Abstract

Food addiction signifies the poorly-controlled consumption of hyperpalatable foods that have addictive properties similar to drugs of abuse. Food addiction has been linked with low self-esteem, high total impulsivity, high attentional impulsivity (inability to focus attention or concentrate), high motor impulsivity (acting without thinking), overweight/obesity, being female, and being young. Consequently, the aim of this research study was to shed light upon the relationship between food addiction and self-esteem, impulsivity (total, attentional, and motor), gender, and age, in both male and female adults, who are 18-65 years old, and are enrolled in local weight loss programs. A quantitative methodology in the form of an online survey research method was employed in order to implement this aim. A total of 119 participants completed the online survey. A statistically significant negative correlation was yielded between food addiction and self-esteem whilst statistically significant positive correlations were yielded between food addiction and total impulsivity, attentional impulsivity, and motor impulsivity. These findings provide support for the importance of mindful eating, psychotherapeutic interventions, and local healthy eating initiatives in the mitigation of food addiction.