A latent profile analysis based on diet quality and eating behaviours in participants of the PREDISE study characterized by a higher BMI

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify eating-related latent profiles based on diet quality and eating behaviours within a population characterized by a BMI of at least 25 kg/m2, and to compare metabolic variables between profiles. 
 This analysis was conducted in a sample of 614 adults (45.6% women; 44.8±12.9 years) from the cross-sectional PREDISE study. Participants completed the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, the Intuitive Eating Scale-2, the Regulation of Eating Behavior Scale and three self-administered 24-hour food recalls. Waist circumference, blood lipids, blood pressure and fasting glucose were measured to identify carriers of the metabolic syndrome. A latent profile analysis was performed, and cases of metabolic syndrome were compared between profiles. 
 A three-profile solution was found. Profile 1 (22.8%) was characterized by lower diet quality, self-determined motivation for eating and restraint, and higher intuitive eating. Profile 2 (44.5%) was characterized by higher diet quality, self-determined motivation for eating and restraint, lower disinhibition and higher intuitive eating. Profile 3 (32.7%) was characterized by intermediate diet quality, higher non-self-determined motivation for eating, restraint and disinhibition, and lower intuitive eating. We found fewer cases of metabolic syndrome among participants in profile 2 than in the other profiles (p = 0.0001).
 This study suggests that a profile characterized by a lower disinhibition and higher levels of restraint, intuitive eating, self-determined motivation and diet quality is associated with a better metabolic health among individuals with a higher BMI.