Abnormal eating behaviors among female college students (18–23 years): a chrono-nutritional study

Eating disorders are typically marked by disruptions in dietary patterns which may influenced by circadian desynchronization and leads to health problems. This study assessed the prevalence of eating disorders and its correlation with chronotype, meal timing, sleep pattern and psychological status among female college students. 125 female college students were taken through convenience sampling. Chronotype, meal timing, sleep-wake patterns and psychological stress were assessed by Reduced morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, Chrononutritional Profile Questionnaire, DASS-21(Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale) and also 24-hour recall method used. Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman’s correlation used for the Statistical analysis. Subjects were grouped into Healthy Eating (50.4%), At-Risk (36.8%) and Eating disorder (12.8%) groups. The ARG and EDG showed higher body fat percentage, BMI and significant disruption in sleep-wake patterns. Correlations between abnormal eating behaviours, circadian disruptions, and nutritional profiles were found. Early screening of mental distress, abnormal eating patterns and lifestyle modifications, is key to overall health.