Work

Relationships among anxiety, mindful eating, and gestational weight change across pregnancy trimesters

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Aim This study aimed to examine trimester-specific relationships among anxiety, mindful eating, and gestational weight change and to compare anxiety and mindful eating across pregnancy trimesters and with non-pregnant women. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among women who attended the Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic at XXXXXXX between January and July 2023. A total of 280 participants were included, comprising 70 pregnant women in each trimester and 70 non-pregnant women, and were analyzed in four groups. Participants were assessed using the Mindful Eating Questionnaire-30 (MEQ-30) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Anthropometric measurements were obtained directly by the researcher. Path analysis was conducted separately for each trimester to evaluate the direct and indirect relationships among anxiety, mindful eating subscales, and weight change. Results State anxiety (STAI-1) differed significantly among the groups, whereas trait anxiety (STAI-2) did not. Significant between-group differences were also observed in total MEQ-30 scores and in the emotional eating, eating control, and interference subscales (p<0.05). In the first trimester, STAI-1 was significantly and positively associated with conscious eating, whereas in the second trimester, it was significantly and negatively associated with impulsive eating, emotional eating, and interference (p<0.05). No significant associations were observed between anxiety or mindful eating and gestational weight change (p>0.05). Conclusion The associations between state anxiety and specific dimensions of mindful eating varied across pregnancy trimesters. However, neither anxiety nor mindful eating was significantly associated with gestational weight change. These findings highlight the importance of considering trimester-specific patterns when examining the relationship between psychological factors and eating behaviors during pregnancy.

Source: Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2026.102507

Authors: Elif Terzi, Ozlem Baran, Ayhan Dag

Institution: Lokman Hekim Üniversitesi

Language: English

Topic: Eating Disorders and Behaviors

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000