Investigating the Prospective Relationship Between Weight Loss Behaviours and Sleep in Adolescents From the Growing Up in Ireland Cohort

Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2025 Oct 25. doi: 10.1002/erv.70045. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Despite common bio-behavioural mechanisms underlying maladaptive sleep and eating, little is known about their temporal associations. The present study aimed to assess the longitudinal relationship between weight loss behaviours (age 13) and sleep (age 17/18) in adolescents (N = 5705) from the ’98 Growing Up in Ireland cohort.

METHOD: Using structural equation modelling, regression models were specified and excessive online behaviours (age 17/18) were tested as a moderator, while depressive symptoms (age 13) were tested as a mediator for the prospective association.

RESULTS: Weight loss behaviours significantly predicted falling asleep at inappropriate times (β = 0.16, SE = 0.04, p < 0.001) and shorter sleep duration (β = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), but no other sleep behaviours. Associations with falling asleep at inappropriate times were partially mediated through depressive symptoms. Associations with shorter sleep duration were fully mediated by depressive symptoms. Excessive online behaviours did not moderate the relationship between sleep and weight loss behaviours.

CONCLUSIONS: In line with clinical research, this study provides preliminary evidence for the longitudinal relationship between weight loss behaviours and shorter sleep. Further research into the causal and potentially bi-directional relationship between sleep and disordered eating is needed to aid in preventing the exacerbation of both symptom presentations and to inform general health promotion strategies.

PMID:41138251 | DOI:10.1002/erv.70045