The effect of emotional eating in adolescents on obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

Background

Emotional eating behavior may cause adolescents to become overweight and obese. There is limited evidence that emotional eating has an impact on obesity. This study aims to synthesize and analyze the effect of emotional eating in adolescents on obesity.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, six electronic databases, namely EBSCO, Web of Science, Pubmed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, were examined. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the critical appraisal checklists developed by the JBI. The systematic review and meta-analysis used in this study were planned and conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Heterogeneity was determined using Cochran Q and I² tests. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot, Rosenthal fail-safe number, the Egger regression test, and the Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation analyses. The effect size was estimated at a confidence interval of 95 %.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in this systematic review, and they were all subjected to a meta-analysis. According to the results of the meta-analysis, emotional eating in adolescents had a positive and medium effect size and a significant effect on obesity (Hedge's g = 0.473, Q = 280.943, I² = 94.661 %, p < 0.05). As a result of the publication bias test, according to the funnel plot and Egger regression analysis (p = 0.002), it was determined that there was publication bias (p < 0.05). According to the Rosenthal fail-safe number and Begg and Mazumdar rank correlation analysis (p = 0.207), it was determined that there was no publication bias (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicated that emotional eating affected obesity in adolescents.

Implications for practice

The meta-analysis revealed that emotional eating seen in adolescents affected obesity. A comprehensive understanding of the effect of emotional eating on obesity is fundamental to improve nursing practices. Reducing eating behavior during emotional states, such as stress, anger, and tension, may prevent the development of obesity or contribute to weight loss by keeping emotions under control during the treatment phase of obesity.