Investigation of the Effect of Emotional Eating Habits on Obesity

Background: Emotional eating is a psychological factor that may contribute to the development of obesity. However, it is unclear whether such eating behaviors are specific to individuals with obesity or equally present among those with normal weight. This study aimed to examine the relationship between emotional eating and obesity by comparing emotional eating tendencies between obese and normal-weight individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 adults aged 18–65, classified as obese or normal weight based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). Data were collected between November 2023 and April 2024 through face-to-face interviews. Participants completed a comprehensive survey form covering demographic characteristics, anthropometric data, physical activity, and health status. Three validated scales were administered: the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (LBTMS), and the Emotional Eating Scale Questionnaire (EESQ). Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests were used for analysis. Results: Cognitive restraint scores were higher than those for uncontrolled and emotional eating in both groups. Obese individuals had higher mean scores in cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating compared to normal-weight participants. However, none of these differences reached statistical significance (p > 0.05). Emotional eating behaviors were similarly prevalent in both obese and normal-weight groups. Conclusions: Emotional eating tendencies were observed in both obese and normal-weight individuals, with no significant difference between the groups. These findings suggest that emotional triggers for eating may influence individuals regardless of body weight, highlighting the need for psychological evaluation and intervention strategies in both populations.