Night Eating Questionnaire Research Articles

Psychometric characteristics of the Night Eating Questionnaire in a Middle East population.

To translate and validate the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) into Arabic and to describe the distribution of night eating in an Egyptian sample. The NEQ was translated into Arabic and administered to 420 university students in Cairo, Egypt. Reliability, validity, and clinical cut-scores were generated for the Arabic NEQ. Distribution and demographic information were examined. Cronbach's alpha for the Arabic NEQ was 0.54. A first order confirmatory factor analysis yielded five factors: 1: Nocturnal Ingestions, Factor 2: Evening Hyperphagia, Factor 3: Morning Anorexia, Factor 4: Insomnia, and Factor 5: Mood. A total NEQ score of 26 was determined to be very high after T-score transformation. Of the students, 4.8% scored above this cut score, and no differences for total NEQ score were found for demographic variables. The Arabic NEQ generated a lower internal consistency score as compared to previous translations, but a similar factor structure. A cut score of 26 is similar to that determined significant for screening purposes in the original English version, and the proportion of those scoring above it is also similar to those of several international community samples. More research is needed to characterize night eating syndrome, its symptoms, and clinical impact in the Arabic culture.

Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Night Eating Syndrome in University Students

Most studies of night eating syndrome (NES) fail to control for binge eating, despite moderate overlap between the two conditions. Establishing the independent clinical significance of NES is imperative for it to be considered worthy of clinical attention. We compared students with and without NES on eating disorder symptomatology, quality of life, and mental health, while exploring the role of binge eating in associations. Students (N = 1,636) ages 18-26 years (M = 20.9) recruited from 10 U.S. universities completed an online survey including the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Project Eating Among Teens, and the Health-Related Quality of Life-4. NES was diagnosed according to endorsement of proposed diagnostic criteria on the NEQ. Groups (NES vs. non-NES) were compared on all dependent variables and stratified by binge eating status in secondary analyses. The prevalence of NES in our sample was 4.2%; it decreased to 2.9% after excluding those with binge eating. Body mass index did not differ between groups, but students with NES were significantly more likely to have histories of underweight and anorexia nervosa. In students with NES, EDE-Q scores were significantly higher; purging, laxative use, and compulsive exercise were more frequent; quality of life was reduced; and histories of depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and self-injury were more common. Binge eating did not account for all of these differences; the presence of it and NES was associated with additive risk for psychopathology on some items. NES may be a distinct clinical entity from other DSM-5 eating disorders.

Clinical Features of Night Eating Syndrome among Depressed Patients

The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and clinical features of night eating syndrome (NES) in a sample of patients with depression. The study sample consisted of 155 depressed outpatients. Socio-demographic Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Night Eating Questionnaire were utilised for data collection. Night eating syndrome was identified in 21.3% of the patients. Comparisons between NES and non-NES patients revealed significant differences in BMI, smoking status, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, rumination and PSQI sub-scores for sleep quality, latency, disturbances and daytime dysfunction. In our sample, the predictors of NES were BMI, smoking and the subject's score on the PSQI sleep disturbances subscale. Night eating syndrome is negatively associated with sleep, severity of anxiety and depression. Our findings suggest that there is a complex relation between NES and depression, and it is recommended that depressed patients be evaluated for NES.

EPA-0481 – The evaluation of night eating syndrome treatment

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of night eating syndrome (NES) treatment. A randomized sample of patients (n=96) age 31-65 years was observed. All patients had NES according to the diagnostic criteria. The level of NES was evaluated using Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). The sample was divided in two groups according to clinical characteristics of NES. ‘Evening eating’ (n=57) group had more episodes of taking food after dinner, but before going to sleep. They usually didn’t have episodes of eating during night. The ‘night eating’ group (n=39) had more episodes of night eating after going to sleep, and didn’t usually eat after dinner. Both groups were randomly divided into two treatment groups: first group was prescribed Sertraline (50-100 mg per day), second group was prescribed Agomelatine (25-50 mg per day). The sample was observed on before treatment (D0) and after 2 months (D60). Results are presented in the table /p>Dynamics of NEQ score in groups Evening Night Sertraline Agomelatine Sertraline Agomelatine Patients 29 28 18 19 NEQ_D0 33,97±0,95 32,80±0,80 38,33±0,89 * 37,68±1,44 * NEQ_D60 22,28±1,08 * 27,00±1,75 * 30,61±1,09 * 23,16±1,32 * * - p As seen in the table, the overall score of NEQ was significantly higher (p It is possible to conclude that prescribing Sertraline is more effective in patients with mostly ‘evening eating’ and prescribing Agomelatine – in those with ‘night eating’.

The reliability and validity of Turkish version of The Night Eating Questionnaire in psychiatric outpatient population

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of Turkish version of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) in psychiatric outpatient population as a measure of severity of the Night Eating Syndrome (NES). Methods: We examined the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the NEQ in Turkish. First, we translated NEQ into Turkish; and then back-translation into English; correction and semantic adaptation and assessment of the understanding of the questionnaire. We made the diagnosis of NES according to psychiatric examination. We administered the NEQ in 433 patients and the re-test in 141 participants two weeks later. Result: The instrument showed satisfactory internal consistency with an overall Cronbach α of 0.69. Intraclass correlation for the test re-test total score was 0.96. The ninety seven patients had NES with psychiatric examination. The area under ROC curve defined as 0,904. For cut-off point of 18 in NEQ both sensitivity and specificity were 90.7% and 73.8%. The confirmatory factor analysis of the NEQ yielded a similar four factor solution as the original scale. Conclusions: We found that Turkish version of NEQ is valid and has well diagnostically performance, and high internal consistency.

Sleep related eating disorder (SRED) and night eating syndrome (NES): same or different disorders?

Introduction The last revision of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders ( ICDS-2) has considered SRED as a parasomnia and it has established precise diagnostic criteria in order to differentiate it from NES. The presence of a variable level of awareness during the nocturnal eating episodes, consumption of some peculiar food combinations or dangerous behaviors or sleep related-injuries during the night are more typical in SRED. However the overlap between the clinical and polysomnographic features of both disorders is evident and some authors have postulated that they are “opposite poles of a continuous clinical spectrum”. We expose the results of the study of 30 patients with recurrent involuntary eating episodes during the night. Materials and methods 6 males and 24 females. Age range: 19 −67 years. All subjects underwent a semi structured clinical and psychological interview. The behaviours and the severity of the compulsive nocturnal eating was measured using the Night Eating Questionnaire. A video – polysomnographic study ( v-PSG) was done placing a table with food and drinks at the bedside. Results 1. Variable number of nocturnal eating episodes per night (1–20) depending on the emotional state of the patient. Frequent association with depressive - anxious syndrome. 2. Involuntary eating with reward sensation. 3. Variable level of consciousness during the episodes within a single night and across the longitudinal course of the disorder. 4. Consumption of high caloric food but no inedible or toxic substances. Morning anorexia common. 5. 2/3 of the patients were night and evening eaters. 6. Insomnia (100%) and frequent comorbid sleep disorders. 7. Obstructive Sleep apnea treatment with CPAP failed to reduce the number of episodes. However some therapeutic benefit was achieved with dopaminergic agents in patients with concomitant Restless leg syndrome. Conclusion 1. Sleep, eating or mood disorder? Probable observation bias between different specialists. 2. At present there isn’t a clear-cut border between SRED and NES. Our results support the hypothesis that they are ends of a continuum with the same underlying pathophysiology. Acknowledgements All medical staff, nurses and technicians of our Multidisciplinary Marques de Valdecilla Sleep Unit. Thanks to my family.

Daily Physical Activity Patterns of Children with Delayed Eating Behaviors

Night eating syndrome (NES) is a delayed pattern of energy intake. It is unknown if symptoms associated with this syndrome are accompanied by a delayed pattern of physical activity. This study examines the relationship between physical activity patterns and delayed eating behaviors in children. Children from the QUALITY cohort (n = 269, 45% female, aged 8-11 y) completed the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), which measures NES symptoms on a continuous scale and identifies single NES symptoms. Daily accelerometer data were transformed into mean counts per wear-time minute for each hour of the day. Children with high NEQ scores had higher levels of daily (p < 0.001) and evening physical activity (p = 0.05) and reached 75% of their total daily physical activity 20 minutes later than children with low NEQ scores (p < 0.05). Excessive evening snacking and a strong urge to eat in the evening or at night were the symptoms most related to these physical activity patterns. Children with delayed eating behaviors had higher levels of physical activity in the late morning and evening and a delayed physical activity pattern compared to children with no or fewer symptoms. Future research is needed to determine if physical activity plays a role in the onset or maintenance of night eating.

Correlations between night eating, sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in a severely obese UK population

ObjectiveThe relationships between night eating, poor sleep quality, and obesity-related comorbidity in a severely obese UK clinic population is unknown. We used validated tools to identify prevalence and to explore this relationship. MethodsConsecutive consenting clinic attendees completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS), and Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) to identify sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) (a surrogate marker for suspected obstructive sleep apnea [OSA]), and night eating, respectively. Proportions of individuals above and below tool cutoff points were compared. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients examined relationships between total scores. ResultsReported prevalence from 144 participants (mean body mass index [BMI] 46.9 [9.5]kg/m2; age 44.6 [12.1]years; 68% women) had poor sleep quality (73.0%), suspected OSA (30.8%), and night-eating behavior (2.8%). The strongest correlation between PSQI and NEQ scores (r=0.54; P<.001) was undiminished after controlling for EDS. Although significantly correlated, PSQI and ESS scores (r=0.31; P<.001) reduced after controlling for night eating (r=0.21; P=.02). Correlation between NEQ and ESS scores (r=0.26; P=.002) was smaller and nonsignificant after controlling for sleep quality (r=0.12; P=.18). ConclusionsPoor sleep quality is common in severe obesity, though night eating is rare. The association between poor sleep quality and night eating is not influenced by the presence of EDS.

1740 – Psychometric properties of the night eating questionnare in a portuguese sample of overweight women

Introduction The Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ; Allison et al, 2008) is the only validated instrument to assess the Night Eating Syndrome. It is composed of 14 Likert items and it enables to rule out for sleep-related eating disorder. Objectives To investigate the psychometric properties of the NEQ and to investigate its pattern of correlation with related variables in a sample of Portuguese overweight women. Methods The NEQ and the other self-report validated instruments to assess disordered eating, insomnia, daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms and affect were administered to an outpatient sample of 276 women (Mean age=43.85±11.88; Mean BMI=32.82Kg/m2±5.43) attending a weight loss treatment consultation in a public hospital. Results The NEQ Coronach a was .60. A four factors structure (variance explained=57.62%) was selected: Factor (F)1 “Nocturnal ingestions” (α=.81); F2 “Evening hiperfagia” (α=.57); F3 “Mood/Sleep” (α=.42) and F4 “Morning anorexia” (α=.24). From the 23 participants (8.6%) who snacks when get up in the middle of the night, 6 (26.1%) had “not at all/a little” awareness of their eating; 3 (13.0%) had “none at all/a little” control over their eating while up at the night. NEQ total score significantly (p Conclusions The Portuguese version of NEQ presents reasonable internal consistency. The factorial structure overlaps with the original almost completely. The pattern of correlations with relevant variables was as expected. The NEQ could be very useful to clinical and epidemiological purposes.

Personality features of obese women in relation to binge eating and night eating

Personality traits can affect eating behaviors, the development of obesity, and obesity treatment failure. We investigated the personality characteristics and their relation with disordered eating in 586 obese women consecutively seeking treatment at eight Italian medical centers (age, 47.7±9.8 years) and 185 age-matched, normal weight women without symptoms of eating disorders (Eating Attitude Test<20). The assessment included anthropometry, the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). Logistic regression analyses were carried out in different models with BES score≥27 and NEQ≥30 as dependent variables and TCI scores as independent factors. Personality traits of obese individuals included significantly lower self-directedness and cooperativeness on TCI. BES and NEQ scores were higher in obese women, and values above the defined cut-offs were present in 77 and 18 cases (14 with high BES), respectively. After controlling for age and BMI, high BES values were associated with high novelty seeking and harm avoidance and low self-directedness, the last two scales being also associated with high NEQ. We conclude that personality traits differ between obese patients seeking treatment and controls, and the presence of disordered eating is associated with specific personality characteristics.

Prevalence of night eating in obese individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder

The prevalence of Night Eating Syndrome (NES) in the general population is estimated to be 1.5%, however, the rates among individuals with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are not yet established. This study sought to examine the frequency and correlates of NES-related behaviors in a sample of obese patients with schizophrenia. One-hundred outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders completed the self-report Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) and were then interviewed as a follow-up for the specific assessment of NES. Based on a diagnostic interview, 12% of this sample met full criteria for NES, with an additional 10% meeting partial criteria for NES. Based on the NEQ alone, 8% met full criteria with an additional 8% meeting partial criteria. Night eating behaviors were associated with increased insomnia and depression. Our findings suggest that screening for NES among patients with serious mental illness may efficiently identify a subgroup with additional clinical needs.

Night eating patterns and chronotypes: A correlation with binge eating behaviors

This cross-sectional study examined the association between the morningness/eveningness dimension and eating patterns. The sample consists of 100 subjects who were screened at a nutrition clinic and was composed of 77% women; mean age was 39.5 (±11.7) years; and 66% were overweight. Significant bivariate correlations were found between the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ) total score and the Binge Eating Scale (BES) and the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). The NEQ and BES were also significantly correlated. Body mass index (BMI) was correlated with the NEQ and BES, but it was not a confounding variable as no associations were found between the MEQ and BMI. To control for potential multicollinearity effects among variables, we also used multivariate regression analysis in which the values of the correlation coefficients were adjusted. Only the BES remained statistically associated with the MEQ. In conclusion, these results suggest that the study of chronotype may be an important issue to be considered when characterizing disordered eating. This study serves as an impetus for examining circadian intake patterns in more detail between those with binge eating disorder (BED) and night eating syndrome (NES) to help discern these important nosological questions.

Prevalence and Familial Patterns of Night Eating in the Québec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (QUALITY) Study

The prevalence and familial patterns of night eating syndrome (NES) in families enrolled in the Québec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth (QUALITY) study was examined. Families (n = 395; one child, mother, and father for whom at least one parent was obese or had abdominal obesity) completed the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) as part of a longitudinal study on the development of metabolic disease in children at risk for obesity. Responses on the NEQ were used to establish a diagnosis of NES and to determine the correlation and heritability of NES symptoms in families. Using comprehensive research diagnostic criteria, full threshold NES was rare: 0% of children, 0.5% of mothers, and 0.3% of fathers met criteria. When controlling for age, sex, and BMI, NEQ scores of spouses were not significantly correlated, but mothers' NEQ scores were significantly correlated with the scores of both sons (r = 0.19, P < 0.001) and daughters (r = 0.15, P = 0.05). The heritability of NEQ scores was 0.24 when controlling for age, sex, and BMI. These findings replicate previous research suggesting a low prevalence of night eating behavior in children and the aggregation of NES in families.

Weight regulation practices of young adults. Predictors of restrictive eating

Young adults frequently use restrictive eating (i.e., going for long periods [⩾8h] without eating to influence their shape or weight) to control their weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of restrictive eating in young adults, compare eating behaviors of restrictive and non-restrictive eaters, and predict restrictive eaters. A diverse (56% white, 63% female) sample of young adults (n=2449) completed an online survey that included eating behavior scales (Restraint, Eating, Shape, and Weight Concerns, and Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors from the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and Night Eating from the Night Eating Questionnaire) and demographics. A quarter of women and 20% of men were classified as restrictive eaters. Independent t-tests revealed restrictive eaters had significantly (p<0.001) higher BMIs than non-restrictive eaters. Restrictive eaters also had significantly higher scores on all eating behavior scales than non-restrictive eaters even after controlling for potential confounding factors (BMI, race). Stepwise binary logistic regression revealed that increased eating, shape, and weight concerns, higher BMI, endorsement of inappropriate compensatory behaviors and night eating, being female, and white increased the odds of participants being restrictive eaters. This study can help healthcare professionals become more aware of weight control practices of young adults and create appropriate interventions.

Escitalopram for Treatment of Night Eating Syndrome

The primary objective of this study was to examine the short-term effects of escitalopram on symptoms of night eating syndrome (NES) in a randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 40 patients with NES were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with escitalopram 20 mg (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) for 12 weeks. Escitalopram was started at 10 mg/d with a dosage increase to 20 mg/d after 4 weeks; placebo dosing was identical. The primary end point was a mean change in total score of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). At 12 weeks, mean (SE) change in NEQ total score was -13.0 (1.6) and -10.6 (2.2) in the escitalopram and placebo groups, respectively (F(1,37) = 2.5, P = 0.124). There was a marginal interaction effect between response to escitalopram and race (F(1,34) = 4.0, P = 0.052), with a favorable effect for white patients (F(1,20) = 6.0, P = 0.024) but not for black patients (F(1,13) = 0.6, P = 0.453). Seven patients in the escitalopram group, compared with 6 patients in the placebo group, showed a 50% NEQ score reduction (P = 0.736). Sixteen patients in the escitalopram group and 12 patients in the placebo group no longer met NES criteria (P = 0.168). Twelve patients in the escitalopram group were classified as responders according to the Clinical Global Impression Improvement scale compared with 7 patients in the placebo group (P = 0.113). No significant between-group differences were found for weight, mood ratings, or adverse events. We conclude that escitalopram treatment for 12 weeks was not superior to placebo in reducing NES symptoms as measured by the NEQ.

Validity of the night eating questionnaire in children

To measure the construct validity of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) in children against a parent report of child night eating syndrome (NES) symptoms (NEQ report) and a 3-day dietary recall. NEQ of 304 children from the QUALITY (QUébec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth) cohort were compared to a parent report and 3-day dietary recall. Child NEQ scores were related to the parent NEQ report (ρ = 0.30 p < 0.0001) yet there were inconsistencies between responses concerning sleep troubles. Total child NEQ scores, but not parent NEQ report scores, were associated with dietary manifestations of NES such as increased evening (ρ = 0.20, p < .001) and reduced morning intake (ρ= -0.12, p < .05). The NEQ score is related to eating patterns of NES in children and is more informative than a parent report, specifically when used in conjunction with dietary recall.

Case‐Control Study of Eating Behaviors of Young Adults with and without Diet‐Related Chronic Health Condition (DRCHCs)

Young adults with DRCHCs (i.e.,type 1 diabetes, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome) must adhere to dietary restrictions to control their diseases. These restrictions may put them at risk for disturbed eating. This study aimed to determine if young adults (18–26 years) with and without DRCHCs differed with regard to disturbed eating behaviors (Binge Eating; Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors; Eating, Weight, and Shape Concerns; and Restraint scales from Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire; Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire; and Night Eating Questionnaire). Each DRCHC participant (cases=166) was matched with 4 healthy participants (controls=664) based on gender and BMI (±0.50 BMI units). Conditional logistic regression analyses indicated cases were twice as likely to have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider with an eating disorder (p=0.08, OR=1.99, CI90 [1.03–3.83]). Cases were significantly more likely to use excessive exercise to manage their weight (p=0.04, OR=1.41, CI95 [1.02–1.94]) and more likely to misuse medicine (e.g., laxatives) to control their weight (p=0.04, OR=1.14, CI95 [1.00–1.29]) than controls. Findings indicate that healthcare professionals should screen DRCHC patients for disturbed eating behaviors and eating disorders.Funding: Kappa Omicron Nu FellowshipSociety Topic Area: ASN‐5002 Nutrition interventions for risk factor modification in chronic disease

Weight Regulation Practices of Young Adults: Predictors of Restraint Eaters

Young adults frequently use restraint eating (i.e., going for long periods [≥8 hours] without eating to influence their shape or weight) to control their weight. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of restraint eating in young adults, compare eating behaviors of restraint and non‐restraint eaters (NREs), and predict restraint eaters (REs). A diverse (56% white, 63% female) sample of young adults (n=2449) completed an online survey that included eating behavior scales (Restraint, Eating, Shape, and Weight Concerns, and Inappropriate Compensatory Behaviors from the Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire, Emotional and Disinhibited Eating from the Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire, and Night Eating from the Night Eating Questionnaire) and demographics. A quarter of women and 20% of men were classified as REs. Independent t‐tests and chisquare analyses revealed REs had significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher BMIs and were more likely to diet than NREs. REs also had significantly higher scores on all eating behavior scales than NREs even after controlling for potential confounding factors (BMI, race). Stepwise regression revealed eating, shape, and weight concerns, inappropriate compensatory behaviors, night eating, female gender, and BMI were strong predictors of being a RE (R2=0.27). This study can help healthcare professionals be more aware of weight control practices of young adults and create appropriate interventions. Funding:Kappa Omicron NuSOCIETY TOPIC CATEGORY: 5215‐ASN: Behavioral Science and Eating Behavior Change

Defining the borders between Sleep-Related Eating Disorder and Night Eating Syndrome

Nocturnal eating is a common symptom of two clinical conditions with different pathogenesis and needing different therapeutic approaches: Sleep Related Eating Disorder (SRED) and Night Eating Syndrome (NES). The first is considered a parasomnia while the second is an eating disorder; however, the distinction between SRED and NES is still a controversial matter. The aim of this study was to better define psychological, behavioral, and polysomnographic characteristics of the two syndromes. An eating disorders' specialist tested a group of 28 nocturnal eaters diagnosed as affected by SRED by a sleep expert, following the current criteria of the international classification of sleep disorders, to find out if any of them was affected by NES according to the criteria suggested by both sleep and eating disorders specialists during the first international meeting on Night Eating Syndrome (Minneapolis, 2009) and if they had specific psychological or polysomnographic characteristics. Twenty-two subjects were diagnosed to be affected by NES. They scored higher on the physical tension subscale of the Sleep Disturbance Questionnaire (SDQ) and on the mood and sleep subscale of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), but there were no other significant differences between SRED and NES patients nor for age, Body Mass Index (BMI), or gender distribution. The overlap between the symptomatology and the polysomnographic characteristics of the two pathologies and the difficulty in making a differential diagnosis between NES and SRED indicate the need for an update of the diagnostic criteria for SRED, as was recently done for NES.

Transcultural adaptation of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) for its use in the Spanish population

BackgroundEstablishing valid and reliable methods of assessing night eating symptoms is an important goal to maximize identification and treatment of the night eating syndrome (NES). The 14-item Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) is the only published and validated assessment instrument but is not yet adapted to Spanish. MethodsWe examined the factor structure, internal consistency and validity of the NEQ in Spanish. The study had 4 phases: a) translation from English to Spanish; b) back-translation from Spanish to English, c) administration of translated version to a Spanish sample, and d) a re-test in 36 participants two weeks later. Reliability, stability, and scale structure were evaluated by Cronbach's α, test–re-test, and factor analysis, respectively. Divergent validity was assessed by correlation with the Spanish versions of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). ResultsTwo-hundred forty-four individuals (181 f; BMI 34.3±10kg/m2; age 40.5±15y) completed the questionnaire. The mean NEQ score was 12.5±7. The Cronbach's α coefficient for the total score was 0.79, the intraclass correlation was 0.85, and the factor analysis yielded a similar four factor solution as the original scale. Correlation for the test–re-test total score was 0.86. Total NEQ score was significantly correlated with the BDI-II (r=0.48 p<0.001), but this correlation was not significant during the test–re-test (r=0.28, p=0.10) or with STAI at either time point (0.05, p=0.40; r=0.07, p=0.69, respectively). ConclusionsThe Spanish version of the NEQ demonstrated adequate internal consistency for the majority of domains and excellent reproducibility. There was divergent validity with anxiety and a relationship between night eating and depression. These results suggest that the Spanish-version of the NEQ is an instrument that is valid for use in clinical research.