The mediating and moderating effect of food addiction in the relationship between body image and loneliness

Loneliness, as one of the most profound and universal emotional challenges faced by modern individuals, has become a focal point of scientific research. Particularly, negative body image and abnormal eating behaviors stand out as critical factors that contribute to loneliness. The complex and multidimensional effects of these factors on loneliness gain significance due to their impact on individuals' mental health and social connections. The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating and moderating roles of food addiction in the relationship between body image and loneliness. The sample of the study consisted of 345 individuals aged between 18 and 40, 229 of whom (66.4%) were female. Data were collected using the short -form UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Body Image Scale, and the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale. Hayes' Model 4 was used to test the mediating role, while Hayes' Model 1 was used to examine the moderating role. The findings of the study indicate that positive body image negatively predicts both loneliness and food addiction. Moreover, after controlling for gender, age, and income level, food addiction was found to act as a mediator in the relationship between body image and loneliness. Additionally, food addiction demonstrated a moderating effect on this relationship. In other words, negative body image can increase food addiction, which, in turn, amplifies feelings of loneliness. Conversely, reducing food addiction may alleviate feelings of loneliness by improving negative body image. These results contribute to a better understanding of the psychological effects of food addiction and the dynamic relationship between body image and loneliness.