Restrained eating and energy-dense food consumption: the moderating effect of self-compassion

Background The increasing consumption of energy-dense foods has become a subject of scientific debate as it has been identified as one of the main risk factors for eating disorders, including obesity. At the same time, interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits have shown poor long-term effectiveness rates. In this context, the present study answers the call to identify strategies capable of promoting the effectiveness of these interventions by evaluating the association between restrained eating and energy-dense food consumption and focusing on the potential buffering role of self-compassion – considering both the self-compassionate engagement and self-compassionate action – in such a relationship. Method A total of 240 Italians completed a self-reported questionnaire measuring restrained eating, self-compassionate engagement, self-compassionate action, and energy-dense food intake. Results Findings indicated that restrained eating was positively associated with energy-dense food consumption. In addition, among the two aspects of self-compassion considered, only self-compassionate action significantly moderated the impact of restrained eating on energy-dense food intake. Conclusions the study limitations and implications for intervention leveraging self-compassion and future research in the realm of eating habits are discussed.