The impact of generalized joint hypermobility on eating behavior of students: A case-control study

Abstract

Objective To investigate the impact of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) on eating behavior. Participants Physical therapy and rehabilitation students. Methods The Beighton evaluation (a cutoff of 5/9) for defining GJH. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40) was used for eating disorders. Smoking habits and alcohol use were also questioned. Results Compared with 51 non-GJH students (mean age 20.5 years, 73% female), 46 students with asymptomatic GJH (20.6 years, 89% female) were more likely to have greater median EAT-40 scores (9 vs. 6, p = .002). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the susceptibility to eating behavior disorders (6.5% vs. 2.0%), smoking habits (6.5% vs. 9.8%), and alcohol use (15.2% vs. 11.8%) (p > .05). Positive correlation (r = .221, p = .029) and positive effect (R = 0.221, R 2 = 0.049; p < .05) between Beighton scores and EAT-40 scores were found. Conclusion The more joint hypermobility the greater the risk for eating disorders.