The relationship between intuitive eating and eating awareness according with physical activity levels of faculty members

The adoption of healthy lifestyle habits is increasingly vital for maintaining individuals' physical and psychological well-being. In this context, physical activity level, intuitive eating behaviors, and eating awareness are key factors influencing nutritional habits and overall health. Considering the influential role of academic staff in promoting such behaviors within society, this study aims to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and the levels of intuitive eating and eating awareness among university teaching personnel. Designed as a correlational survey model, the study collected data from 370 academics across Turkey (51,6% female; 48.4% male; M = 41,80, SD = 12,25). Data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, Intuitive Eating Scale (IES), Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 25.0, employing descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Chi-square, and Pearson correlation analyses, with a significance level set at 0,05. The results indicate that physical activity level significantly affects both intuitive eating and eating awareness. More physically active individuals scored higher in the subscales of "unconditional permission to eat," "eating for physical rather than emotional reasons," and "reliance on hunger and satiety cues" (p<0,05). While women showed higher scores in mindful eating subdimensions such as awareness, conscious eating, and eating control, men scored higher in emotional eating (p<0,05). Additionally, significant associations were found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the subscales of both the IES and MEQ. A moderate negative correlation was observed between total scores of intuitive eating and mindful eating (r= -0,427, p<0,001). In conclusion, enhancing intuitive eating and eating awareness contributes to healthier eating behaviors, and physical activity emerges as a key influencing factor. The findings highlight the importance of integrating behavioral components related to eating into public health strategies and expanding research across broader populations.