Psychological factors associated with binge eating among women with infertility

Eating disorder pathology, including binge eating, is highly prevalent among women diagnosed with infertility. Binge eating has a range of consequences that may undermine fertility outcomes, yet population-specific risk and protective factors are unknown. Identifying factors associated with binge eating among this unique population may inform more sensitive and effective prevention and intervention efforts. In this cross-sectional observational study, women diagnosed with infertility completed validated self-report measures of psychiatric symptoms, eating disorder pathology, overvaluation of shape and weight (OSW), infertility distress, infertility acceptance, and trait mindfulness. Mann-Whitney U tests and two-part zero-inflated Poisson regression analyses were performed to identify associations between these factors and the presence and frequency of binge eating. In our sample (N = 188), 39.4 % endorsed recent binge eating (n = 74). These participants reported higher symptoms of anxiety (p < .001), depression (p < .001), OSW (p < .001), dietary restraint (p < .001), body mass index (<0.001), and lower mindfulness (p = .003) relative to those who denied binge eating. There were no group differences in infertility distress or acceptance. In a two-part zero-inflated Poisson regression model, higher OSW was the only factor significantly independently associated with higher odds of binge eating, whereas increased depression severity was significantly independently associated with greater binge eating frequency. Ultimately, OSW and depression may be particularly important treatment targets for women with infertility engaging in binge eating, above and beyond related psychological risk factors. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.