Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
04:48
Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System
Published on: May 8, 2018
Eating Disorder Risk and Its Biobehavioural Correlates in Italian University Students: The UniFoodWaste Study
Flavia Pennisi1,2, Antonio Pinto1, Daniele Nucci2,3
1Faculty of Medicine, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy.
Nutrients
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Over one-third of Italian university students show eating disorder (ED) risk, linked to depression, poor health, and digital food app use. Early screening and integrated interventions are crucial public health priorities.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Nutritional Psychiatry
Background:
- Eating disorders (EDs) represent a significant public health concern, particularly among young adults.
- University students are a vulnerable population facing unique academic and social stressors.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of ED risk is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of eating disorder risk among Italian university students.
- To investigate the associations between ED risk and mental health indicators, self-rated health, BMI, lifestyle, and digital food app engagement.
Main Methods:
- A survey assessed 2691 Italian university students using the SCOFF questionnaire for ED risk.
- Data collected included demographics, BMI, depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), self-rated health, diet, smoking, alcohol use (AUDIT-C), and digital food app usage.
- Multivariable logistic regression models, stratified by sex and adjusted for confounders, analyzed associations with ED risk.
Main Results:
- 34.6% of students screened positive for ED risk (39.5% women, 21.8% men).
- Strongest associations found with clinically relevant depressive symptoms (aOR 3.37) and poor/fair self-rated health (aOR 2.45).
- Overweight/obesity (aOR 1.47-2.48), smoking, risky alcohol use (aOR 1.42), and use of food delivery/waste apps were independently associated with ED risk.
Conclusions:
- Over one-third of Italian university students are at risk for an ED, indicating a substantial public health issue.
- The strong links with depression, perceived poor health, digital food app usage, and unhealthy behaviors necessitate early screening.
- Integrated mental health and nutrition interventions within university settings are recommended to address this concern.
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