Recursive Models of Body Mass Index With Sociodemographic Variables, Ego Functions, and Eating Disorders in Mexican Women

The objective of the study was to generate recursive models to predict the body mass index (BMI) in Mexican women, including socio-demographic variables, ego functions and eating alteration aspects. The Ego Functions Assessment (EFA; Bellak & Goldsmith, 1993) and the Overeating Questionnaire (OQ; O'Donnell & Warren, 2007) were applied to a quota sample of the BMI of 217 women aged 20- 40 residing in Nuevo Leon. Three models with a good fit to data were defined. In the most complex model higher BMI is predicted by lower socioeconomic status, older age and excessive eating. A higher BMI is a predictor of motivation to lose weight and body image dissatisfaction. Dissatisfaction with body image predicts motivation to lose weight. Worse health habits predict lower motivation to lose weight, greater body dissatisfaction, and excessive eating. Affective disorder predicts body image dissatisfaction and excessive eating. Based on these models, suggestions are formulated to understand overweight and obesity.