Night Eating Syndrome in Individuals with Obesity: Psychopathological Features, Emotional Dysregulation, and Comorbid Eating Behaviors

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the clinical and psychological characteristics of Night Eating Syndrome (NES) in individuals with obesity, focusing on comorbidity with other dysfunctional eating behaviors and difficulties in emotional regulation.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 995 adults with obesity. Participants were assessed for NES, grazing, carbohydrate craving, sweet and junk food consumption, psychiatric disorders, depressive symptoms, and emotion regulation difficulties using validated clinical interviews and psychometric instruments, including the DERS, BDI-II, and SCL-90-R. Group comparisons were performed between individuals with and without NES.

Results:

Individuals with NES reported significantly higher rates of psychiatric comorbidity, grazing, and junk food consumption. Although no significant differences emerged in general psychopathological symptoms or depression severity, patients with NES demonstrated greater difficulties in emotion regulation, particularly in goal-directed behavior, impulse control, and access to effective regulation strategies. These impairments may compromise adherence to behavioral and nutritional goals, further hindering therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

Patients with obesity and NES represent a clinically vulnerable subgroup characterized by emotional dysregulation and comorbid maladaptive eating behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating comprehensive psychopathological assessments, with a specific focus on emotional functioning, into tailored treatment strategies for this population.