The different areas of chronic stress and food addiction: Results from the LIFE‐Adult‐Study

Abstract

There is an empirical association between stress and symptoms of food addiction (FA), but it is still not clear which domains of stress are the most relevant when it comes to FA, limiting the ability of researchers and practitioners to address problematic eating‐related health outcomes. In order to address this gap in the literature, we analysed how different domains of chronic stress are related to FA. We used data from a subsample of the LIFE‐Adult‐Study (N = 1172), a German cohort study. We conducted a linear regression analysis with stress domains (Trier Inventory for Chronic Stress, TICS) as predictors of FA (Yale Food Addiction Scale, YFAS). In the second regression analysis we included sociodemographic variables, personality, and smoking as control variables. There was a significant and positive association between Social Overload, Work Discontent, Excessive Demands from Work, and Chronic Worrying and FA. After adding control variables, only Social Overload, Excessive Demands from Work, and Chronic Worrying remained significant predictors. Connections between stress domains and FA can serve as starting points for the development of meaningful interventions that support individuals self‐care strategies (Social Overload), complexity management (Excessive Demands from Work), and coping with negative emotions (Chronic Worrying).

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“…One explanation related to personal risk factors might be that individuals with UPFA have consistently exhibited higher levels of impulsivity and negative urgency [ 109 ]. In a food environment laden with convenient access to inexpensive UPFs, it is not surprising that nutrition habits are challenging to change, particularly in the face of various life stressors and ongoing psychosocial adversity [ 110 , 111 ].…”

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“…However, not only do quantities increase, but also the type of food changes, as people under stress tend to eat food high in sugar, fat, and energy, such as chocolate or fast food (= comfort foods) [10,11]. In the Adult Study of the Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE) a relationship between stress and food addiction has been shown [12]. Moreover, some results indicate that people store more fat under stress than when relaxed [13].…”