Relationship between mindful eating, hedonic hunger, and obesity

ABSTRACT Objective Hedonic hunger leads to the development of obesity by encouraging overeating and a consequent increase in energy intake. Mindful eating is predicted to help maintain a healthy weight by reducing hedonic hunger levels. This study aimed to examine the association between mindful eating, hedonic hunger, and obesity in adults living in Türkiye. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and April 2023 using a face-to-face survey method among individuals aged 19-65 in Türkiye. Mindful eating was defined with the Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Higher scores on the scale indicate higher mindful eating. Hedonic hunger was determined using the Power of Food Scale. A higher Power of Food Scale score indicated a higher tendency towards hedonic hunger. Body weight, height, and waist circumference measurements were evaluated, and the body mass index was calculated. A 24-hour dietary recall was taken to determine the participants’ energy and nutrient intake. Results A total of 787 volunteers (mean age: 31.2±11.9 years) participated. A one-unit increase in Mindful Eating Questionnaire total score was associated with a 0.81-unit decrease in Power of Food Scale total score (p<0.001) and a 134.38 kcal decrease in energy intake (p<0.01). Higher Mindful Eating Questionnaire total scores were associated with lower odds of having risk/high risk of health according to waist circumference (p<0.001) and waist/height ratio (p<0.05) and associated with lower odds of being obese (p<0.001). Conclusion Higher mindful eating is inversely associated with hedonic hunger, energy intake, and obesity in adults. Mindful eating can be beneficial for altering hedonic hunger and energy intake, thereby reducing obesity.