Association Between Psychobehavioral Factors and the Increased Eating Rate of Ultra-Processed Versus Non-Ultra-Processed Meals in Individuals with Obesity: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: A faster eating rate is associated with increased energy intake and risk of obesity. High consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with a faster eating rate. Psychobehavioral aspects, such as body image self-perception, eating disorders, and anxiety, may modulate this eating behavior. Therefore, this study examined the moderating role of psychobehavioral factors in the association between meal type (UPF vs non-UPF) and eating rate among individuals with obesity. <b>Methods</b>: It is a secondary analysis of a randomized, parallel clinical trial conducted with 39 adults who have obesity. Participants were assigned to consume either a UPF-only composed meal or a UPF-free meal, both of which were isoenergetic (~550 kcal). Psychobehavioral variables (food addiction-mYFAS 2.0, body image perception and satisfaction-Silhouette Rating Scale, eating disorders-EAT-26, and anxiety-GAD-7) were assessed. Eating rate was measured in kcal/min. <b>Results</b>: Body image perception and satisfaction significantly interacted with the type of meal. In the UPF group, lower body image dissatisfaction was associated with a higher eating rate (β = 4.79 kcal/min; 95% CI: 1.40; 8.19; <i>p</i> = 0.007), while a higher body image perception score was associated with a lower eating rate (β = -4.61 kcal/min; 95% CI: -8.57; -0.65; <i>p</i> = 0.024). No significant associations were observed for food addiction scores, eating disorders or anxiety. <b>Conclusions</b>: Body image modulates the eating rate in the context of UPF consumption. These findings suggest that interventions against obesity should consider individual psychobehavioral characteristics.