The Relationship Between Emotional Appetite, Eating Attitudes, and Body Mass Index among University Students

Authors : Serap Balaban Barta, Ümüş Özbey Yücel, Asli Uçar

Pages : 1279-1288

Doi:10.37989/gumussagbil.1669284

View : 351 | Download : 554

Publication Date : 2025-12-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :It is known that emotional eating behaviors and eating attitudes have an effect on food consumption. This study aimed to examine the effects of emotional appetite and eating attitudes on Body mass index (BMI). The study was conducted with university students from different classes and departments. The study data was collected online via Google Forms. The survey form included demographic information about the individuals, Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ), and Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). The data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0 software program. The study was completed with 600 university students with a mean age of 20.7±1.6. The EAT-26 total score of overweight and obese individuals (11.9±8.3) was higher than normal (10.1±7.3) or underweight (10.9±6.8). The EMAQ-negative score was higher in overweight-obese individuals than in normal and underweight individuals. However, EMAQ-positive score was higher in underweight individuals than in other groups (p<0.05). A significant correlation was found between the BMI of the individuals and EAT-26 (r=0.184), EMAQ positive (r=-0.204), and EMAQ negative (r=0.295) scores (p<0.05). EMAQ positive and negative scores were found to be significant predictors of BMI. Both Emotional appetite and eating attitude had a significant effect on the BMI. Considering the increasing obesity rate, students who need to correct their emotional eating behaviors should be directed to a diet clinic.
Keywords : beden kitle indeksi, Duygusal iştah, Obezite, Yeme tutumu, Yeme davranışları

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL