Food Choice, Eating Behaviors, and Associations with Depression Levels and Body Mass Index: A Cross-Sectional Study

Depression is not only a mental health condition, but also a complex disorder that affects eating behaviors and food choices, leading to changes in body weight. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between body mass index, eating behaviors, food choices, and depression levels in adults.

This cross-sectional study conducted in Istanbul from Apr to Jun 2022 included 208 adults aged 18 to 65 yr (mean 30.84±9.21 yr). A questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic information, Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ), Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was applied. Height and body weight were measured.

Of the participants were 9.6% underweight, 48.1% normal, 30.8% overweight, and 11.5% obese. Underweight individuals had significantly lower weight control scores compared to normal and overweight, and their restrictive eating scores were significantly lower than those of normal, overweight, and obese (P=0.001). Compliance scores affecting food choice were significantly lower in individuals with minimal depression than in those with mild and moderate depression (P=0.018). Emotional and external eating were higher in moderately depressed individuals than in those with minimal depression (P=0.001; P=0.018, respectively). Restrictive eating was significantly lower in individuals with minimal depression than in those with moderate and severe (P<0.001). Mood, appropriateness, natural content, weight control, and ethical concern affecting food choice were associated with eating behaviors (P<0.05).

Body weight and depression levels were important factors in food choice and eating behaviors in adults. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering eating behaviors and depression levels in individuals' food choice motivations.