The interactive role of eating regulation and stress in the prediction of weight‐related outcomes among college students

Abstract

The interactive role of eating regulation and perceived stress on weight-related outcomes was examined among 319 sophomore year college students (110 males and 209 females). Moderated regressions were used to examine interactions between stress and eating regulation on study outcomes including body mass index (BMI) and body fat. Eating regulation moderated associations between stress and BMI and body fat outcomes. Students reporting high perceived stress, high autonomous eating regulation, low controlled regulation, and low amotivation exhibited higher outcomes (BMI and body fat) than those with similar eating regulation but lower perceived stress. Students with lower autonomous eating regulation and higher controlled regulation had no differences in study outcomes across levels of stress. College students who regulate their eating behaviours for health reasons (specifically showing autonomous regulation) exhibit higher BMI and body fat when they report higher levels of perceived stress. Health promotion programs for college students need to target education efforts towards stress reduction and healthy eating behaviours.

Stress Associated Alterations in Dietary Behaviours of Undergraduate Students of Qassim University, Saudi Arabia

“…However, main meal intake more than twice a day by stressed students, suggesting that the abnormal pattern of main meal taking by stressed students. These findings have further been supported by other studies showing an abnormal pattern of food intake in various other universities students [32], [33]. Arsiwalla et al .…”

“…Arsiwalla et al . were examined interactions between stress and eating regulation in the prediction of weight-related outcomes and body fat among young adults [32]. Whereas, Nastaskin et al .…”

“…Unhealthy eating habit is always a major public health issue in young adults, especially in those who experienced the transition into university life [1], [2]. During university life, young adults are usually exposed to psychological stress and lack of time, which generally alter their eating behaviours towards intake of junk foods [3], [4]. Stress alters the overall behaviour of eating which may be in either way, over- or under-eating, but continuous stress has directly or indirectly had a linked with intake of junk food preference, and now scientific evidence clearly conclude that prolonged life stress has directly linked with almost all human disorders [5], [6], [7].…”

“…Skipping of routine food intake, intake of junk food such as pizza, burgers, chicken nuggets, sausage, hot dogs, French fries, chips, cake, brownies, cookies, chocolates, muffins, doughnut, pastries, ice cream, milkshake, excessive drinking of tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. are common poor eating patterns among university students [1], [2], [3], [4]. Not only have these, outside factors such as jaunting in shopping malls, vending machines, fast food outlets and general stores are also making them more susceptible for taking unhealthy food [1], [13].…”