Body composition, body perception, eating and weighing habits in administrative staff of Çukurova University

Aim: There is a rapid increase in obesity prevalence in Turkey as well as in the world. The number of studies dealing with the behavioral paradigms of obesity is scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between body perception, eating-weighing habits and body mass index in the administrative staff of our university. Material and Method: The data were collected with, sociodemographic information form, Stunkard Body Perception Scale, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the obesity-related behaviors evaluation form, which were developed by the researchers according the relevant literature. Body weight, height, waist and hip circumference measurements were done. Results: 513 women and 335 (39,5%) men were included in the study. The prevalence of obesity was 15,8% in women and 19,7% in men. The body satisfaction rate was higher in men (p = 0,000). 78,0% of the female participants was not satisfy with their weight and wanted to lose weight. The percentage of those with body satisfaction tended to decrease as BMI increased (p = 0,000). Of the participants total 490 (57,8%) were found to attempt to lose weight. The percentage of men who reported fast eating (43,9%) was higher than women (31,0%) (p = 0,000). There was an increase in the rate of fast-eaters from the underweight to the obese group (p = 0,000). It was observed that 45,2% of the participant's appetite decreases in case of sadness-stress and eating in sadness-stress situation was higher in the obese group (p = 0,000). In total, 65,7% had no regular self-weighing habit; normal and overweight rates were similar between the regular and irregular weighed, while the underweight and obese group had higher irregular weighing (p = 0,041). Measured and self-declared BMI values were similar and no significant difference was found between them (p = 0,614). There was no difference between the BMI groups in terms of skipping breakfast, evening snacks, eating lunch, eating with whom, the coexistence of the kitchen-living area and physical activity. Conclusions: The prevalence of obesity in administrative staff of our university is lower than in the society. As a result of our study, it was thought that some eating and weighing behavioral factors might have effect on obesity. Therefore, these factors may guide the obesity prevention and management strategies. Keywords: Obesity, administrative staff, body perception, eating and weighing habits