Triage for night eating syndrome (NES) in pregnant women: a cross-sectional pilot study

To estimate the prevalence of pregnant women screened positive for night eating syndrome (NES) (also known as night, nighttime, overnight, and nocturnal eating syndrome) and identify possible associated factors.

Using a cross-sectional design, 125 pregnant women attending the obstetric outpatient clinics of two university departments in Thessaloniki, Greece, were recruited between December 2021 and February 2023. Anthropometric measurements were collected and all participants completed the Greek version of the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). The latter is a validated tool for NES screening. Two NEQ score thresholds were applied for positive NES screening, one at ≥25 and a stricter one at ≥30.

In the pregnant women sample, 8% demonstrated NEQ scores of ≥25 and 1% of ≥30. No differences were detected in NEQ scores according to gestational trimesters (Kruskal-Wallis test, p = 0.748). In contrast, excessive gestational weight gain (GWG)-according to the Institute of Medicine recommendations-was associated with greater rates of NEQ scores ≥25 (chi-squared test, p = 0.011). Women who had conceived via assisted reproductive techniques (ART) exhibited lower NEQ scores compared to those who had conceived naturally (Mann Whitney U test, p = 0.004). In the multivariable model, maternal obesity was associated with positive NES screening.

The prevalence of NES among pregnant women appears to be low. Excessive GWG and mode of conception seem to be associated with positive NES screening among pregnant women.