Evaluation of the Relationship Between Addiction-like Eating Behavior, Mindful Eating, and Obesity in Adults

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between addictive-like eating behavior, mindful eating, and obesity and the factors affecting them. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 459 adults (47.7% male, 52.3% female, mean age 27.2±10.52 years). The study data were obtained with a web-based questionnaire. The questionnaire form includes the socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, Addiction-Like Eating Behaviors Scale (ALEBS), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). Results: 36.6% of the participants were overweight or obese. The mean MEQ score was 3.3±0.47, and the ALEBS score was 39.9±11.69. Smokers had a significantly higher ALEBS score (p=0.027). While the MEQ score was significantly lower in obese individuals (p<0.05), the ALEBS score was significantly higher (p<0.05). A negative correlation was found between the total MEQ score and the total ALEBS score (r= -0.618; p<0.001). BMI was negatively correlated with the MEQ score (r= -0.149; p= 0.001); it was positively correlated with Appetitive derive and Low diet control subscales (r= 0.307; p<0.001; r= 0.380; p<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: This study supports that mindful eating and addiction-like eating behavior scores may related with body weight. Smoking may be a factor associated with food addiction. In preventing and treating obesity, early intervention studies are essential to increase the mindful eating in individuals and reduce food addiction.