Obesity is a growing global problem and has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011). Although obesity is not considered a psychological disorder, a number of studies suggest obesity is associated with psychological problems, including eating disorders, personality disorders, perfectionism, and depression (Fassino, Leombruni, Piero, Abbate-Daga&Rovera, 2003; Wardle, Waller,&Rapoport, 2001). For example, research suggests that between 20-30% of those seeking treatment for obesity may suffer from Binge Eating Disorder (BED; Devlin, Walsh, Spitzer,&Hasin, 1992). In addition, individuals who were diagnosed with BED were also at higher risk for other psychological problems, including depression, and borderline personality (Fassino, et al., 2003). Disordered eating has also been found among obese children and adolescents, and more than one third of children seeking treatment for obesity reported binge eating episodes (Decaluwe, Braet,&Fairburn, 2003; Isnard et al., 2003). Finally, a positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and disordered eating attitudes (Thomas, James,&Buchmann, 2002). Thus, an association between disordered eating and obesity has been found among a variety of age groups. Negative Emotions and Eating Attitudes
