Exercise as a Buffer Against Stress-induced Overeating

Participants completed EMA surveys (5x/day for 14 days). At each prompt they were asked if an eating episode occurred. If they indicated 'yes', they were asked to check all that apply: a) I ate past the point of feeling full, b) I ate more than usual, c) I had unplanned eating (i.e., consumed food when I don't usually eat and was not making up for a missed meal, or d) None of the above. If the participant responded with a, b, or c, it was classified as an 'overeating episode'. Further, at each prompt, participants were asked to the respond to the following: 'Right now I feel stressed' (1=not at all, 7=very much so). If the stress score was >=5 at the prompt just prior to an overeating episode, then it was considered a 'stress-induced overeating episode'.

If an eating episode occurred, participants were asked to check all that apply: a) I ate past the point of feeling full, b) I ate more than usual, c) I had unplanned eating (i.e., consumed food when I don't usually eat and was not making up for a missed meal, or d) None of the above. If response was a, b, or c, it was classified as an 'overeating episode'.

Percent weight change from baseline to 12 weeks

The 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen 1988) was used to assess changes in stress by treatment arm from baseline to 12 weeks. Scores on this measure range from 0-40 with a higher score indicating greater perceived stress. Presented values are 12 week scores adjusted for baseline values.