The Degree of Emotional Eating Among Female University Students and Its Impact on Their Pattern of Eating Behaviors

Abstract

Background: The transition from high school often coincides with impact on emotional eating (EE), potentially leading to disruptions in eating patterns. Even though, the impact of EE on patterns of eating behavior among Saudi female university students is not fully investigated. Aim: To assess the impact of EE on patterns of eating behavior among Saudi female University students. Methods: A total of 359 female students (King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) participated in a cross-sectional study. Data was collected using online questionnaire including general characteristics, Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and Eating Behavior Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ). Results: 41.2% of participants were categorized as somewhat emotional eaters with a mean EEQ score of 13.80±6.84. EE was positively associated with eating out, frequent snacking, consumption of sweets and biscuits, and meal skipping (p<0.05). Additionally, EBPQ score was positively correlated with weight/BMI (r=0.28, r=0.29) while negatively correlated with adherence to low-fat diet (r=-0.30, r=-0.26). Significant association between EEQ scores and BMI (p<0.001), with increased emotional eating score among overweight/obese individuals. Conclusion: Female university participants exhibited somewhat emotional eating tendencies, highlighting the complexity of the interaction between different parameters. These findings underscore the importance of addressing EE behaviors and its subsequent impact on dietary patterns; and promoting healthier dietary habits among Saudi female university students.