Predicting Emotional Eating Based on Self-Compassion, Body Image Concern, and Perceived Stress in Women with Obesity

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Obesity is a major public health concern, and emotional eating is recognized as one of the key behavioral factors contributing to its development and maintenance. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive role of self-compassion, body image concern, and perceived stress in emotional eating among women with obesity.

Methodology: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted among women with obesity attending nutrition and health clinics in Tehran in 2026. A total of 180 participants were selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Salzburg Emotional Eating Scale, Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale, the Body Image Concern Inventory, and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale. Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS-26.

Findings: The results revealed a significant negative association between self-compassion and emotional eating (r = -0.485, p < .001), while body image concern (r = 0.450, p < .001) and perceived stress (r = 0.518, p < .001) showed significant positive associations with emotional eating. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that self-compassion explained 23.5% of the variance in emotional eating, body image concern contributed an additional 10.1%, and perceived stress explained a further 5.5%. The final regression model accounted for 39.1% of the variance in emotional eating (R² = 0.391, F = 33.87, p < .001). Among the predictors, self-compassion emerged as the strongest predictor (β = -0.336).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that emotional eating among women with obesity is influenced by both protective and risk factors. Higher levels of self-compassion appear to protect against emotional eating, whereas greater body image concern and perceived stress increase vulnerability to this behavior. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-compassion, improving body image, and reducing perceived stress may contribute to the prevention and management of emotional eating and obesity.