Binge-Spectrum Eating Disorders, Mood, and Food Insecurity in Young Adults With Obesity.

This article focuses on the relationship between food insecurity, mood symptoms, and binge-spectrum eating disorders—specifically binge eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa (BN)—among young adults with obesity in the United States. In a cross-sectional online survey of 1,331 participants aged 18–35 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m², those screening positive for binge-spectrum eating disorders or subthreshold symptoms reported significantly higher levels of food insecurity, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, anxiety, and loneliness compared to those without these disorders. Logistic regression analyses indicated that higher depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and food insecurity were associated with increased likelihood of screening positive for full-threshold binge-spectrum eating disorders. The findings suggest the importance of screening for mood disorders and food insecurity in individuals with disordered eating and highlight the need for interventions addressing these interconnected factors.