Eating Emotions Association with Anthropometric Factors in Student's of Tabriz University of Medical Science's Nutrition School in 2015

Emotional eating leads to more energy intake and consequently problems related to weight and body shape. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between eating emotions and anthropometric indices.
This descriptive study was done on 130 students of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in July 2015. Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) was used for determining the food emotions state. Data was analyzed using chi-square test, independent t-test, Pearson’s linear correlation, and one-way ANOVA analysis.
The results showed a significant relationship between body mass index and eating emotions’ score (p= 0.002, r= 0.248) so that people with body mass index over 30 Kg had poorer control over their eating (4.23±1.69). The mean± SD of eating emotions’ score in people with abnormal waist circumference was 5.71±1.84 and in people with normal waist circumference was 6.82±1.33 (p= 0.038). There was a positive and significant linear correlation between age and the eating emotions(r=0.21, p= 0.017). There was a significant relationship between the life status (being native or non-native) and food emotions score (p= 0.021).
By knowing that negative food emotions are related to overeating, obesity, age, family history of obesity, and supplements consumption, we can give essential nutritional and psychological education in public and in this way control food emotions and the consequent choices that can contribute to a healthy life.