Memories of Early Eating Messages Transmitted by Caregivers and Their Relationship With Body Image and Eating Behavior in Adults

Abstract Background: The development of eating behavior and body image are influenced by multiple factors. Among these factors, parents' attitudes toward their children's diet play an important role. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating whether dietary messages conveyed by parents in childhood also have an impact on eating behavior and body image perception in adulthood. As a result, the objective of the present study was to verify the relationship and impact of memories of early food messages with the appreciation of body image and the eating behavior of adults, as well as to investigate the impact of memories of food messages, years of study, socioeconomic level, gender, age and emotional symptoms on eating behavior and appreciation of body image. Methods: The study included 279 adults who completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Caregiver Eating Messages Scale Body Appreciation Scale, the Intuitive Eating Scale 2 and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale. Results: The results revealed that critical and restrictive messages and pressure to eat messages seem to be related to eating behavior and appreciation of body image, with significant associations, although of weak magnitude. Furthermore, through regression analysis, it was found that the variables of critical and restrictive eating messages, along with the level of depression, seem to have a more significant impact on eating behavior and body image in adult life. Conclusions:This study has clinical implications, as it highlights the association between early control eating messages and possible outcomes in adult life. This highlights the importance of implementing educational programs aimed at parents to promote adaptive strategies regarding food control. Trial registration: The project was approved on July 4, 2022 by the Research Ethics Committee of Feevale University, in Novo Hamburgo, under number CAAE 58617722.9.0000.5348.