Graze Eating and Obesity: A Conceptualization Within the Spectrum of Disordered Eating

This review examines recent literature on grazing and its two subtypes – compulsive (CG) and non-compulsive (NCG) – utilizing a consistent definition and psychometrically sound instruments.

Grazing is a distinct problematic eating behavior, prevalent across various weight, age, and sexes groups, with higher rates observed in younger adults and older children/adolescents. Grazing has associations with socioeconomic status, and scores differ between countries, suggesting cultural differences. Grazing is consistently linked to higher body mass index, poor weight loss and metabolic control outcomes after metabolic-bariatric surgery. CG, particularly, has been consistently associated with greater psychological distress, eating disorder psychopathology, affective dysregulation, impulsivity and addictive behaviors, and poorer quality of life.

Grazing is a problematic eating behavior associated with loss of control eating, and within the spectrum of disordered eating. Assessing and addressing grazing may be a crucial strategy to mitigate obesity and its associated medical risks.