Examining the relationship between obesogenic environment, eating behaviors and food consumption in adults: A community-based study from Türkiye

<b>Introduction: </b>The obesogenic environment, characterized by the prevalence of high-calorie foods and sedentary lifestyles, plays a crucial role in the global rise of obesity. This environment influences eating behaviors, including uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, and cognitive restraint, which in turn affect weight management and health outcomes. Understanding the interplay between environmental factors, eating behaviors, and food consumption is vital to addressing obesity.<br /> <b>Materials and methods: </b>This cross-sectional study included 1.878 adults aged 19-65 years in Turkey. Data were collected via an online survey assessing demographics, anthropometric measurements, eating behaviors, and food consumption patterns. The three-factor eating questionnaire and the obesogenic environment scale were used to evaluate eating behaviors and environmental influences, respectively. Statistical analyses included correlation and regression methods to examine relationships among variables.<br /> <b>Results: </b>It was determined that the obesogenic environment scale total score had an effect on uncontrolled eating and emotional eating. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between body mass index and uncontrolled eating, cognitive restriction and emotional eating. It was determined that as the total scores of uncontrolled eating, cognitive restriction, emotional eating and the obesogenic environment scale increased, the frequency of consumption of unhealthy foods (fast food and packaged foods) and sugary drinks increased.<br /> <b>Conclusion: </b>The obesogenic environment promotes unhealthy eating behaviors, contributing to weight gain and obesity. Strategies to mitigate these effects include public health policies aimed at improving access to healthy foods and increasing awareness of nutrition. This study underscores the importance of addressing environmental factors in obesity prevention efforts.