Investigation of the effect of physical activity level on the intuitive eating and mindful eating

bjective: In this study, effects of the physical activity on intuitive eating and the mindful eating was planned and carried out regarding adult individuals aged between 18 to 45. Method: Randomly selected 423 volunteers aged 18-45 from Antalya city were participated in this study. Personal information form, international physical activity questionnaire form, intuitive eating scale, mindful eating scale, eating attitude test was applied face to face by the researcher. Findings: There was no difference between groups for intuitive eating total scores and mindful eating total score regarding the physical activity level (p>0,05). There was a meaningful difference for the intuitive eating subscale "body–food choice congruence" between male and all participants (p<0,05). Body–food choice congruence score of inactive males were (3,53±0,90) which were lowest compared amongst males, for minimal actives this was (3,86±0,86) and for active males (4,01±0,80). Regarding all the participants; inactive individuals body–food choice congruence score (3,55±0,89) were lower than active individuals (3,99±0,84) (p<0,05). Minimal active males were (3,22±0,62) higher than that of active ones (2,98±0,57) for mindful eating subscale "eating control". Conclusion: As a result of the study, no meaningful difference has been found between the inactive, minimal active and active individuals regarding the intuitive eating and eating awareness total scores. However, it is mentioned in the literature that physical activity can provide auto control in regulating individuals' eating behavior and there is motivational and cognitive mechanisms in the relationship between physical activity and eating behavior. In conclusion, it is thought that more detailed intervention studies are needed, including physiological and psychological more detailed parameters other than the results determined by the reporting of individuals. Keywords: Intuitive Eating, Mindful Eating, Physical Activity