4.2.4. Behavioural Risk Factors

Body dissatisfaction is a well-documented psychological aspect of obesity, especially for women, and research with female college students found that lifetime experiences of weight stigma significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and body dissatisfaction [55].

Diet is the most significant behavioural risk factor for the onset of BED. It is well documented that dieting increases the risk of overeating to counter calorie deprivation and executive function, weight gain over time [42].

Social isolation can be inherently stressful, depressing, and anxiety-provoking. To heal these distressing feelings, an individual can engage in emotional eating, where the food serves as a source of comfort. This has gained special attention during the COVID pandemic [59,60].
