Emotional Eating and Mental Health Among Lebanese University Students During COVID-19 Outbreak

Background and Aim: Emotional eating (EE) is the uncontrollable desire to eat in response to negative emotions such as anxiety, irritation, or depression. The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and strict quarantine raised the likelihood of mental symptoms and, as a consequence, EE. The main objective of this study was to assess the extent of EE and mental health among Lebanese university students and to identify the main correlates of EE. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken between March and April 2021. Overall, 356 Lebanese university students aged between 18 and 25 years completed an online questionnaire that assesses EE and mental state, as well as health and eating habits. Results: The total mean EE score was 33.82 (±8.52). The main predictors of EE among university students were a higher grade point average (GPA) (p=0.010), higher body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), consuming more fats (p=0.013), and eating more sweets and cookies (p=0.010). In addition, depression, anxiety, and stress were highly prevalent among Lebanese university students during the pandemic (43.8%, 51.7%, and 91.6%, respectively). Conclusion: This study provides evidence of the negative impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on emotional well-being and eating behaviors among Lebanese university students. Targeted nutrition education programs that address the cultural and economic realities of Lebanese students, as well as psychological counseling offered by the universities, would be of interest to improve the diet quality and emotional well-being of the students.