Impact of Food Addiction and Its Influencing Factors in Overweight/Obesity Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Obesity represents a major public health challenge with extensive physical and psychological implications. Food addiction (FA), a rising concern linked to obesity, remains insufficiently studied in China. This study investigates the prevalence of FA and identifies factors associated with FA among overweight/obesity. Data were collected between August 2021 and January 2022 from 126 overweight/obesity through structured surveys and questionnaires. Comparative analyses of demographic characteristics, anthropometric indicators, and dietary patterns were performed between participants exhibiting FA symptoms and those without FA. FA symptoms were identified in 43.65% of the participants, with higher prevalence among individuals from the Tibetan population. Subgroup analysis of Tibetan participants revealed that a higher intake of tubers, fats, and sodium was associated with an increased risk of FA, whereas manganese intake may exert a protective effect against FA. Participants with FA showed significantly higher anthropometric measurements, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage, compared to non-FA (NFA) counterparts. Furthermore, a dietary pattern characterized by elevated intake of tubers, fats, energy-dense foods and certain trace elements such as sodium was significantly associated with an increased risk of FA. Overweight/obesity with FA display distinct dietary imbalances, marked by higher BMI and increased consumption of tubers and fats, accompanied by increased intake of specific trace elements. This study is crucial for identifying and evaluating the effectiveness of FA in order to develop targeted interventions and optimise obesity treatment strategies.