The association of binge eating with internet addiction, body shape concerns, and BMI among university students in the United Arab Emirates.

Abstract

Background: Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common eating disorder with university students being particularly vulnerable. The study aimed to investigate the association between binge eating and Internet addiction (IA), body shape (BS) concerns, and body mass index (BMI) among university students.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 448 university students (221 males and 227 females) aged between 18 and 25 years were recruited. A multicomponent questionnaire included socio-demographic information, and validated scales such as the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Binge-Eating Disorder Screener-7 (BEDS-7), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Anthropometric measurements [weight, height, and waist circumference (WC)] were recorded, and BMI was calculated.

Results: The findings reported that approximately 31% of the participants were at risk of BED, 24.3% had moderate/severe IA, 27.8% were moderate/marked concerned about their BS, and 41.1% were overweight/obese. The risk of BED was significantly associated with IA (OR = 1.06, 95%CI: 0.34-0.93; p < 0.005), BS concerns (OR = 1.39, 95%CI:0.90-2.16; p < 0.001), BMI (OR = 1.74, 95%CI:1.16-2.60; p < 0.005), and WC (OR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.16-2.75; p < 0.006). Regression analysis showed that the risk of BED had a highly significant positive association with WC, BSQ, and IA with the WC identified as the strongest predictor for risk of BED (β = 0.23, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study underscores the need for targeted national initiatives and awareness programs that promote balanced food consumption, healthy internet use, and increased physical activity among young adults of both sexes. By fostering these healthy habits, such interventions can reduce the risk of binge eating disorder and support overall mental and physical well-being in this population.