The mediating role of food craving in the relationship between psychological distress and body mass index in adults: a cross-sectional analysis

The relationship between psychological distress and obesity is complex, particularly regarding how emotional states can lead to weight gain. This research aims to clarify the connections between depression, anxiety, stress, and body mass index (BMI) in adults, while also exploring the impact of food cravings as a mediating factor.

Conducted with a sample of 252 adults aged 19 to 65 years, the study used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) alongside the Food Craving Questionnaire (FCQ) to assess psychological conditions and cravings. In addition, anthropometric data were collected to determine participants’ BMI. Mediation analyses were conducted using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples.

Results indicated significant positive correlations among all assessed psychological symptoms, food craving levels, and BMI (p < 0.05). Notably, individuals consuming diets high in carbohydrates and fats exhibited considerably higher FCQ scores than those following plant-based or protein-rich diets. Mediation analysis findings revealed that excessive food cravings exerted a notable partial mediating effect on the relationship between BMI and psychological factors: depression (indirect effect: 19.4%), anxiety (indirect effect: 19.7%), and stress (indirect effect: 19.0%).

The conclusions drawn support a mediation model; psychological distress correlates with an increase in BMI through both direct pathways and indirect routes via heightened food cravings. These insights suggest a need for a multidisciplinary approach in addressing obesity. Psychological interventions focusing on emotion regulation and craving management, paired with medical nutrition therapy, may enhance treatment outcomes. [NPID: Food cravings, BMI, psychological, obesity]

Year: 2026

Reference: Toprak, K., & Yildirim, Z. (2026). The mediating role of food craving in the relationship between psychological distress and body mass index in adults: A cross-sectional analysis. Frontiers in Nutrition, 13, 1872470. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1872470

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