Determinants of financial wellbeing: Body mass index, emotional eating and compulsive buying

Abstract

PurposeThis study aimed to reveal whether variables such as body mass index (BMI), emotional eating and compulsive buying, which are typically studied in different fields, impact perceived financial well-being. Design/methodology/approachA total of 1,240 participants aged >18 years participated in the study. Regression and mediation analyses were performed using CB-SEM. FindingsThe results show that BMI affects emotional eating and compulsive buying behavior in both males and females. While compulsive buying affects current money management for both females and males, it has a significant effect on future financial security for females but not for males. Emotional eating partially mediated the relationship between body mass index and compulsive buying in females and was fully mediated in males. Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the relationship between BMI and emotional eating, compulsive buying behavior (a mental disorder) and financial well-being (a result of purchasing decisions).