Intuitive eating in youth: Its relationship with nutritional status

Saniye Bilici,Hande Mortas,Eda Koksal,Ozge Kucukerdonmez,Betul Kocaadam

doi:10.1590/1678-98652018000600005

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To determine intuitive eating in young adults and the effects of factors such as gender, Body Mass Index and dietary intake, and dietary adequacy on intuitive eating. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with students at Gazi University in Ankara (N=665; 17.6% men; 82.4% women). The questionnaire, including the general characteristics, anthropometric measurements, Intuitive Eating Scale-2, and 24-H Dietary Recall sections, were applied to all participants. For the evaluation of the diet, Nutrient Adequacy Ratio and Mean Adequacy Ratio were used. Results The mean Intuitive Eating Scale-2 score was 3.2±0.33; men’s and women’s scores were 3.3±0.37 and 3.2±0.32, respectively (p<0.05). According to linear regression analysis, gender, age and mean adequacy ratio had an effect on the model for the score (p<0.05). In addition, there was a negative correlation between Intuitive Eating Scale-2 scores and Body Mass Index values in women (rp=-0.095, p=0.026). Conclusion The intuitive eating scores varied according to gender, dietary adequacy and age. Intuitive eating may be effective in the formation of long-term behavioral changes, which is beneficial for the treatment of obesity. The result of this study may encourage the development of this behavior in groups (may vary according to gender), that is thought to be effective by considering the changes of intuitive eating behavior.

Highlights

In recent years, obesity as a result of unhealthy eating habits, and sedentary lifestyle have become a major public health problem especially in young adults in Turkey as well as worldwide [1,2]
According to linear regression analysis, gender, age and mean adequacy ratio had an effect on the model for the score (p
There was a negative correlation between Intuitive Eating Scale-2 scores and Body Mass Index values in women

Summary

Introduction

Obesity as a result of unhealthy eating habits, and sedentary lifestyle have become a major public health problem especially in young adults in Turkey as well as worldwide [1,2]. As an alternative to energy-restricted diets, the movement to shape eating based on the intuition of individuals began in the 1980s and has continued to the present day. This movement defends the limited effectiveness of diet restriction (restrictive eating, avoiding food, limiting energy intake) in the long run [5]. Tribole & Resch [6] developed the concept of "intuitive eating" based on the philosophy of nutrition to define healthy eating and behaviors. Intuitive eating is a new dietary approach that rejects the dieting mentality [7].

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion