Body image flexibility mediates the effect of body image-related victimization experiences and shame on binge eating and weight

• Body image-related experiences and emotions are associated to binge eating and BMI.
• Body image-related victimization memories are related to current body image shame.
• Body image-related victimization indirectly predict binge eating symptoms and BMI.
• Body image flexibility is a significant mediator on the examined associations.
• Body shame and body image flexibility are relevant mechanisms in binge eating.

ObjectivesThe current study examined a path model testing the indirect effect of negative body-image related memories of being teased and bullied in childhood and adolescence on binge eating severity symptoms, via its effect on current body image shame and body image flexibility.MethodsParticipants were 853 Portuguese women from the general community who completed a set of self-report measures of body image-related bullying and teasing experiences in childhood and adolescence, current body image shame, body image flexibility, binge eating symptoms, body mass index (BMI) and depressive symptoms.ResultsThe path model accounted for 40% of the variance of binge eating symptoms and 14% of the variance of BMI, and revealed a very good fit. Findings corroborated the plausibility of the hypothesized associations suggesting that negative body image-related memories and emotional experiences are significantly associated with binge eating symptoms and BMI, and that body image flexibility is a significant mediator of these associations. The examined relationships were preserved after controlling for the effect of depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThe current study's findings contribute to clarify the role that body image-related memories and emotional experiences may play on individuals' difficulties in regulating eating behaviour and weight, and provides preliminary support for the potential effect of body image flexibility as a self-regulatory process that operates in these associations.