Low body mass and ethnic identity exploration exacerbate the association between body image concerns and loss of control eating in Hispanic/Latino men

Objective Although Hispanic/Latino populations have some of the highest rates of obesity in the United States, little is known about their loss of control (LOC) eating, a robust predictor of excess weight gain. This study examined the association between body image concerns and LOC eating frequency in a sample of young Hispanic/Latino men. Body mass index (BMI), ethnic identity, and acculturation were examined as potential moderators. Method The sample included 271 Hispanic/Latino men between the ages of 18 and 30 years ( M age = 23.89 ± 3.54; M BMI = 26.46 ± 5.82). Participants completed an online survey and reported on height, weight, and demographic characteristics; concerns with muscularity and body fat; LOC eating frequency in the last 28 days; ethnic identity; and perceived acculturation. Results Negative binomial regression models were conducted, adjusting for BMI, income, education, and presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. Concerns with muscularity and body fat were positively associated with LOC eating frequency ( p s < .001). Low BMI exacerbated the link between concerns with body fat and LOC eating frequency ( p = .03). The positive association between concerns with muscularity and LOC eating frequency was exacerbated among those who reported low ethnic identity exploration ( p = .01). While acculturation did not function as a moderator ( p s = .14–.27), it was inversely associated with LOC eating frequency ( p  < .001). Discussion BMI and ethnic identity are important individual factors to consider in the link between body image concerns and LOC eating among young Hispanic/Latino men.