Impact of Hedonic Hunger on Weight Status and Quality of Life among Young Adults In Kerala

Abstract

Background: Hedonic hunger is the urge to eat for pleasure rather than to satisfy physiological needs. It is influenced by the brain's reward system and external cues such as the sight, smell, and availability of food. Understanding the psychological and neurobiological mechanisms behind hedonic hunger is essential to promote mindful eating and develop interventions for healthier dietary habits. This study aims to find out the impact of hedonic hunger on weight status and quality of life among young adults.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 young adults aged 19-33 years utilizing validated questionnaire to assess quality of life and hedonic hunger status. The data analysis focused on the impact of hedonic hunger on weight status and quality of life among young adults. The results revealed that there is a negative correlation between Power of food scale (PFS) scores and BMI, PFS score and quality of life in each domain. Only environmental domain is statistically significant.

Result: This study reveals a significant negative correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Power of food Scale (PFS), indicating that higher BMI is associated with lower hedonic hunger. Additionally, the study found a negative correlation between hedonic hunger and Quality of Life (QOL) across various domains, with a statistically significant association in the environmental domain. These findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight and managing hedonic hunger may be crucial for improving overall QOL.

Conclusion: Hedonic hunger plays a crucial role in modern eating behaviours and obesity. Understanding its mechanisms can aid in developing targeted behavioural and nutritional interventions to promote mindful eating and reduce obesity risk.