Mixed-effects location scale modeling of stress and contextual factors on overeating: a real-world observational study
Authors' conclusion
Conventional strategies for managing stress-related overeating fall short. Effectively addressing overeating requires an understanding of both psychological and contextual factors.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²)2,004 meals logged
- Participants
- 47 adults
- Primary endpoint
- Caloric intake per meal and its association with stress and psychological, environmental and social factors
- Follow-up
- 14 days
Methodological details14-day free-living, technology-supported, Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA), two-level mixed-effects location scale model, Meal verification by study devices; daily food recalls by dietitians
- 14-day free-living
- Technology-supported
- Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA)
- Two-level mixed-effects location scale model
- Meal verification by study devices; daily food recalls by dietitians
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Factors associated with caloric intake per meal
- Between-subject factors significantly associated with caloric intake (e.g., stress, perception of overeating, restaurant food, later meals, pleasure-seeking meal)
- 6
- Within-subject factors significantly associated with caloric intake (e.g., biological hunger, perceived overeating, uncontrolled eating, social eating, restaurant food, snacks)
- 10
- More stressed participants, on average, consumed more calories
- 0.74; p = 0.002
- High consistency between individuals (stress)
- −0.7; p = 0.048
- When stressed and not at home, participants consumed less calories
- −0.62; p = 0.0043
Original publication
Mixed-effects location scale modeling of stress and contextual factors on overeating: a real-world observational study. Int J Obes (Lond). Published 20 January 2026. doi:10.
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