Association between eating behaviors and depressive symptoms in Chinese adults: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eating behaviors are associated with health outcomes. However, data regarding the association between eating behaviors and depressive symptoms in Chinese adults are limited. We hypothesized that Chinese adults with problematic eating behaviors would likely have depressive symptoms compared to those with good eating behaviors. We included 1,998 participants (aged 25–68). Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between eating behaviors and depressive symptoms. Eating behaviors were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale. In the final adjusted model, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for depressive symptoms were 1.23 (0.99–1.53) and 1.30 (0.97–1.74) when a slow eating rate was compared to medium and fast eating rates, respectively and were 1.35 (1.08–1.68) and 1.40 (1.07–1.83) when breakfast consumers were compared to occasional consumers and skippers, respectively. Eating quickly and skipping breakfast were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. These results suggest that eating behaviors may affect mental health in adults.