Intuitive eating in youth: Its relationship with nutritional status

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.

Evaluation of the relationship of intuitive eating behaviour between body mass index and waist circumference in university students

“…In his study Bilici et al 16 the total score and subscales of the intuitive eating scale for women (excluding the score of reliance on hunger-fullness signals) were found to be significantly lower, and as a result, a significant difference between sexes was reported. In the study of Camilleri et al 5 women were lower compared to men.…”