Can we apply the dual-pathway model of overeating to a population of weight-preoccupied overweight women?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study is to verify the applicability of the dual-pathway model among weight-preoccupied overweight women and to document the restraint pathway, the negative affect pathway, and the possibility of a direct pathway from body dissatisfaction to overeating.


METHODS
Structural equations were performed to test the model on baseline data of 153 weight-preoccupied overweight women recruited to participate in a randomized trial.


RESULTS
Findings suggest that the model obtains satisfactory fit. Although the restraint pathway is partially supported, the negative affect pathway is confirmed. A third pathway linking directly body dissatisfaction to overeating is also evidenced.


CONCLUSIONS
The dual-pathway model of overeating seems to be representative of the reality of weight-preoccupied overweight women, which could be pointed as a population in need of clinical attention, particularly considering the dramatically increasing rates of obesity.
Gagnon-Girouard
Marie-Pierre
MP
School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec, Canada.
Bégin
Catherine
C
Provencher
Véronique
V
Tremblay
Angelo
A
Boivin
Sonia
S
Lemieux
Simone
S
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004435:Eating / Q000523:psychology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008433:Mathematics; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009497:Neurotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires