The Evaluation of the Changes in the Anthropometric Measurements and Physical Activity Levels of Individuals According to Food Addiction During the Pandemic Period

Abstract

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between food addiction and changes in anthropometric measurements and physical activity levels of individuals during the pandemic period.

Subjects and Method: A total of 288 adults (248 females, 40 males) between the ages of 19-65 years were included in the study. The data were collected based on a web-based questionnaire. The socio-demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements of the individuals were questioned with the questionnaire form. Individuals’ food addiction status was evaluated using the Yale Eating Addiction Scale and their physical activity status was evaluated using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results: 23.0% of individuals had food addiction. It was determined that the body mass index (BMI) and waist/height ratio values of the individuals with food addiction were significantly higher than the group without food addiction (p<0.05). Because it arouses the desire to overeat; the rate of individuals who had problems with foods such as bread, bagels, pizza/lahmacun/doner, donuts/bread rolls, french fries, pasta, bananas, candy/candy and chips were found to be significantly higher in individuals with food addiction than individuals without food addiction (p<0.05). A significant decrease was found in physical activity levels with the pandemic in individuals with and without food addiction (p<0.05). Significant increases were found in BMI and waist/height ratio values with the pandemic in individuals with food addiction (p<0.05). In addition, a significant increase in body weight and waist circumference values were detected in female individuals with food addiction (p<0.05).

Conclusion: According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that there was a relationship between food addiction and anthropometric measurements during the pandemic period, and that there was a decrease in the physical activity levels of individuals regardless of their food addiction status.