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 verifythe applicability of the dual‐pathwaymodel 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. Method: 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. Discussion: 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. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009