Examining associations among food insecurity, muscularity-oriented disordered eating, and internalizing symptoms in undergraduate students

Food insecurity (FI) is a serious public health concern linked to negative physical and mental outcomes, including eating disorder symptoms. However, little is known about its relationship with muscularity-oriented disordered eating (MODE), which involves eating behaviours aimed at increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat. This study examined the association between FI and MODE, as well as the potential indirect effects of depression and anxiety. A sample of 394 undergraduate students (72.34 % women) from a Canadian university completed online self-report measures of FI, MODE, depression, and anxiety. Linear regression analyses indicated that FI was significantly positively associated with MODE, even when controlling for gender. Indirect effects analyses further revealed that this association was partially explained by depression and anxiety in women, suggesting that psychological distress may play a key role in linking FI to MODE. Importantly, our findings provide evidence that MODE is not limited to individuals with greater financial resources to access high-protein diets and supplements. Food insecurity does not preclude engagement in MODE, emphasizing the need for theoretical models and interventions that consider FI as a potential risk factor. Future research should employ longitudinal designs to clarify the temporal relationship between FI, MODE, and mental health factors, as well as explore these associations in more diverse populations.