Addictive Eating and Its Relation to Physical Activity and Sleep Behavior

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Obesity Research
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• The global obesity epidemic necessitates understanding contributing factors.
• Independent associations exist between addictive eating, physical activity, sleep behaviors, and obesity.
• Emerging research suggests interrelationships between food addiction, physical activity, and sleep.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between food addiction and physical activity levels.
• To examine the association between food addiction and sleep behaviors.
• To explore the connection between food addiction, sedentary time, and sleep quality.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to Australian adults.
• Data collected included demographics, food addiction symptoms (Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0), physical activity, sitting time, and sleep behavior.
• 1344 individuals participated, with a mean age of 39.8 years; 75.7% were female.

Main Results:

• 22% of participants met criteria for food addiction (mild, moderate, or severe).
• Food-addicted individuals exhibited significantly less physical activity (walking, moderate-to-vigorous) and more sitting time on weekends.
• Poorer sleep quality symptoms (snoring, daytime sleepiness, falling asleep driving) were significantly more prevalent in food-addicted individuals.

Conclusions:

• Frequency and duration of physical activity, time spent sitting, and sleep duration are associated with food addiction.
• These findings highlight the interconnectedness of lifestyle behaviors in the context of food addiction.
• Interventions addressing food addiction may benefit from considering physical activity and sleep patterns.