Abstract

Aim: It is thought that there is a mutual relationship between feeding habits and food addiction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional habits of overweight and obese adults according to food addiction.

Method: 134 volunteers overweight and obese, aged between 38-64 years, were admitted to the Cardiology Policlinic of Ankara Gulhane Training and Research Hospital. In order to evaluate the dietary habits of the participants, number of meals, skipped main meals, bite size, salt usage, fast-food and carbonated beverages consumption were questioned. Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) was used to evaluate the food addiction of individuals. In the statistical analysis of the data, p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Of the participants, 62 were male (46.3%) and 72 were female (53.7%). The mean age was 52.3±6.83 years. Food addiction was detected in 26 individuals (19.4%). It was found that number of main meals (2.7±0.47) of food addicts was lower than those without food addiction (2.4±0.49) and they skipped lunch more frequently (65.3% and 34.2% respectively) (p<0.05). It was determined that individuals with food addiction (46.2%) consumed more junk-food than those without food addiction (22.2%) (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was a statistically significant negative correlation with YFAS symptoms between number of main meals and positive correlation between weekly fast-food consumption (p<0.05).

Conclusion: It was concluded that there may be a relationship between food addiction and nutrition habits of overweight and obese individuals. In this context, it is important to make feasible interventions to adopt proper nutrition habits in the prevention of obesity.