Eating disorder risk in adult women: the role of social physique anxiety and emotional eating

Abstract Eating disorders are life-threatening conditions that have psychiatric and medical comorbidities and can impact individuals of all genders. It is known that women are particularly at risk for these conditions and that psychosocial factors play an undeniable role in this process. Therefore, it is of great importance to identify these critical risk factors to develop effective prevention strategies. This study aimed to investigate the role of social physique anxiety and emotional eating as potential risk factors for eating disorders in a sample of adult women from the general population. This descriptive and cross-sectional research was conducted with 1,501 women across Türkiye between April and July 2023. Data were collected via an online survey that included a Descriptive Information Form, SCOFF Eating Disorders Questionnaire, Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), and Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ). Risk of eating disorders was detected in half of the women (50.0%). According to multivariate linear regression analysis, SCOFF Eating Disorders Scale scores were negatively associated with body satisfaction and EMAQ positive emotions subscale scores. SCOFF Eating Disorders Scale scores were positively related to fear of gaining weight status, body mass index, status of selection of food according to mood, EMAQ negative emotions subscale scores, and SPAS total scores. The results of this study showed that social-physical anxiety, fear of gaining weight, body mass index, and negative mood were significant positive predictors of risk of eating disorders in women.