Analysis of eating behavior, metabolic parameters, anthropometric measurements, and visceral adiposity index in adults attending a nutrition and diet clinic

Changes in eating behavior can lead to under- or over-nutrition or eating disorders. Obesity may occur due to excessive energy consumption and is a significant risk factor for numerous diseases including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, dyslipidemia, stroke and cancer. This study aims to investigate the relationships between eating behavior, blood parameters, anthropometric measurements and the visceral adiposity index (VAI). This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 110 individuals (38 males and 72 females) aged 19-65, who applied to the Derik State Hospital Nutrition and Dietetics Polyclinic. Data on demographic characteristics, nutritional habits, and eating behaviors were collected through face-to-face interviews, anthropometric measurements were taken and blood findings were recorded. The majority of participants (46.4%) sought diet clinic services due to obesity. Among the participants, 60.9% reported skipping meals and 60.9% did not have snacks. Additionally, 84.5% stated that they did not exercise regularly. The VAI for men was 10.0±8.52, while it was 4.4±2.94 for women (p<0.05). An increase of 1 unit in VAI was associated with increases of 8.325 mg/dL in total cholesterol (T-C), 18.670 mg/dL in triglyceride (TG), 2.020 mg/dL in LDL-C and 2.286 mg/dL in fasting blood glucose (FBG), along with a decrease of 0.765 units in HDL-C (p<0.05). Eating behaviors were assessed using the three-factor eating questionnaire (TFEQ-Tr21). The scores for Cognitive Restraint (CR), Emotional Eating (EE), and Uncontrolled Eating (UE) were 11.1±4.52, 16.3±6.21 and 23.3±6.47, respectively. A negative correlation was found between participants' BMI scores with their CR and EE scores and a positive correlation between their CR and EE scores (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between participants' EE and UE scores with their anthropometric values (BMI, waist circumference and waist/height ratio), as well as with their blood findings (T-C, LDL-C, TG, and FBG) (p<0.05). Increased exercise levels contributed to decreases in EE and HF scores (p<0.05). Additionally, individuals with VAI values in the severe risk group for visceral obesity had higher EE and HF scores than those with normal VAI values (p<0.05). These findings highlight the importance of investigating eating behaviors and implementing corrective measures to prevent obesity, particularly visceral obesity and associated comorbidities.