Eating behaviors mediate the relationship between perceived stress and anthropometric measurements related to obesity in young adults

Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of perceived stress, eating behaviors and anthropometric measurements related to obesity in the university students. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out with 658 university students (128 males, 530 females). A questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits, perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale-14, eating behaviors assessed with the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire and measured anthropometric parameters was administered by researchers. Results Perceived stress was higher in pre-obesity/obese participants compared to those were underweight and had normal weight (p<0.001). Emotional and external eating behaviors were higher in pre-obesity/obese participants compared to others (p<0.001). The total score of the Perceived Stress Scale-14 showed significant correlations with body mass index (r=0.245, p<0.001), hip circumference (r=0.223, p<0.001), mid-upper arm circumference (r=0.248, p<0.001) and triceps skinfold thickness (r=0.178, p<0.001). In addition, after adjusting for mediators, a positive association was detected between the perceived stress score and body mass index (beta=0.358, 95% CI [0.185, 0.531], p<0.001). Increased Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire score showed a mediating effect in this relationship (beta=0.073, 95% CI [0.056, 0.091], p<0.001). Conclusion The findings of this study suggest a notable correlation between perceived stress, eating behaviors, and anthropometric measurements associated with obesity in university students. Enhancing stress coping strategies for individuals could potentially lead to improvements in eating behaviors and reduce risk of obesity.