THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MUSCULARITY-ORIENTED EATING ATTITUDES AND PROTEIN QUALITY IN STUDENTS WITH AND WITHOUT REGULAR EXERCISE

Abstract: In recent years, body image concerns, the influence of social media, and societal beauty standards have become significant issues affecting the mental and physical health of many individuals. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between muscularity-oriented eating behaviors and protein quality among university students who engage in regular exercise and those who do not. The study included 149 university students who exercise regularly and 301 who do not. Participants were assessed using a demographic questionnaire, the Muscularity-Oriented Eating Test (MOET), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a Food Frequency Questionnaire. Protein quality was evaluated considering dietary patterns and categorized into five quartiles. The participants' mean age was 21.95 ± 1.91 years, and their BMI was 22.71 ± 3.51 kg/m². The MOET score of those who exercised (19.1 ± 11.06) was significantly higher than those who did not (13.22 ± 9.11) (p < 0.05). Among exercisers, individuals in the Q2 group had significantly higher MOET scores compared to other groups (p < 0.05). The total protein quality score was significantly higher among those who exercised compared to non-exercisers (p < 0.05). According to regression analysis, a one-unit increase in the MOET score was associated with a 0.045-fold increase in protein quality. Individuals who exercised regularly were found to have higher protein quality and a greater tendency toward muscularity-oriented eating behaviors. Additionally, it was shown that those consuming higher-quality protein diets might also have a greater inclination toward muscularity-oriented eating.