The effect of regular pilates practice on intuitive eating, hedonic hunger, and body image in women

In today's increasingly obesogenic lifestyle, individuals' eating behaviors are changing and becoming more closely associated with behavioral factors such as hedonic hunger, intuitive eating, and body image. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the levels of hedonic hunger, intuitive eating, and body image in women who regularly practice Pilates and in those registered at the same center but who do not engage in Pilates. The study included a total of 115 women aged 18–45 years, attending a wellness center in Ankara: those who had been practicing Pilates at least twice a week for the past six months (n=54) and those who did not practice Pilates (n=61). Hedonic hunger was assessed using the Power of Food Scale (PFS), intuitive eating with the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), and body image with the Body Image Scale (BIS). Height was measured with a stadiometer, body composition was assessed using a TANITA device, and demographic and dietary habit data were collected through face-to-face interviews. According to the findings, there were no significant differences between the groups in demographic variables (p>0.05). The rates of following a special diet program (p<0.05) and reporting excessive appetite (p<0.05) were higher in non-Pilates participants. In anthropometric measurements, Pilates participants had a significantly lower mean BMI (22.49±3.27 kg/m²) compared to non-participants (25.11±4.47 kg/m²) (p<0.05). Waist-to-hip ratio was also more favorable in the Pilates group (p<0.05). Although the total PFS score did not differ significantly between groups (p>0.05), scores in both groups were above 2.5, indicating high levels of hedonic hunger. The prevalence of hedonic hunger was 75.9% among Pilates participants and 88.5% among non-participants (p>0.05). The total IES-2 score was significantly higher in the Pilates group (p<0.05), with notable differences in the subscales "eating for physical rather than emotional reasons," "reliance on hunger and satiety cues," and "body-food choice congruence." BIS scores were significantly lower in Pilates participants (p<0.05), indicating a more positive body image. With increasing age, PFS scores decreased, and BIS scores improved (p<0.05). PFS scores were higher among single participants compared to married ones (p<0.05), whereas no differences were found in IES-2 or BIS scores (p>0.05). No significant differences were observed in any of the scales according to educational status (p>0.05). In conclusion, regular Pilates practice not only improves anthropometric indicators such as BMI and waist-to-hip ratio but also enhances intuitive eating behaviors and positively influences body image. The findings highlight the importance of incorporating body-awareness-based exercises alongside nutritional interventions in the fight against obesity.