Investigation of emotional eating status, attitudes towards physical activity, and thinness expectations in women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome

In this study, the relationships between emotional eating levels, attitudes towards physical activity, thinness expectations, and quality of life in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) were examined. The research was conducted using a descriptive survey model, and data were collected from 197 women aged between 19 and 50 with a PCOS diagnosis. Among the participants, 41.1% exhibited high levels of emotional eating, while 63.5% showed low levels of physical activity. According to regression analysis, attitudes towards physical activity (β = 0.423; p < 0.01) and thinness expectations (β = 0.185; p < 0.01) had positive and significant effects on quality of life. Emotional eating, on the other hand, negatively affected quality of life (β = -0.199; p < 0.01). Furthermore, it was found that as positive attitudes towards physical activity increased, emotional eating behaviors decreased (r = -0.268; p < 0.01). The results of the study indicated that improving body image, adopting supportive attitudes towards regular physical activity, and receiving psychosocial support are important for enhancing the quality of life in individuals with PCOS.