Characteristics of Night Eating Behaviour (NEB) in a severely obese population

Introduction: Diagnostic criteria for Night Eating Syndrome (NES) continue to be updated. Identification of characteristics using qualitative approaches must account for the confounding features of severe obesity. Methods: Eighty one individuals (mean (SD) age 44.6 (11.6) years, BMI 50.0 (10.7) kg/m2; 43% male) from a hospital-based UK obesity clinic were interviewed for NES based on 2003 criteria. Full and partial NES were combined into one NEB group (n=31). NEB characteristics were identified through thematic analysis of interview data using grounded theory techniques. NEB individuals (n=28) were matched with non-NEB controls according to age, BMI, gender and work status. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) scores, levels of childhood obesity and significant life events were compared. Results: NEB developed both in adulthood (57%) and childhood (43%). Parental management of childhood obesity influenced NEB development in 4 individuals. NEB was characterised by perceived lack of dietary control and low mood. The matched control group comparison confirmed these differences (BDI: 26.0 (10.5) vs 17.1 (11.0) p