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Behavior, Psychology and Sociology

Relationship of perceived depression, stress, anxiety levels and hedonic hunger

International Journal of Obesity volume 47, pages 717–723 (2023)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background

This study was designed to explore relationship of perceived depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) levels and hedonic hunger in adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey included questions about some socio-demographic characteristics, Power of Food Scale (PFS-Tr) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was sent via an online platform. Self-reported weight and height were also questioned. A total of 4112 adult volunteers between the ages of 18–65 years participated in this study. 72.3% of them were female.

Results

The prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress was reported as 31%, 34% and 13% respectively. Hedonic hunger and perceived DAS levels were higher in females (p < 0.001). Hedonic hunger was positively correlated with perceived DAS (p < 0.001). While body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with PFS-Tr total score, food available and food present; negatively associated with food tasted. Body mass index was negatively correlated with perceived DAS. Hedonic hunger and perceived DAS levels decreased with increasing age. Females were more prone to both hedonic hunger and perceived DAS. About one in three participants reported moderate to extremely severe levels of depression and anxiety. Greater perceived DAS levels are associated with hedonic hunger. Underweight individuals had higher levels of perceived DAS.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the prevalence and predictors of perceived DAS levels and hedonic hunger in the Turkish adult population. The findings of the study suggest that the predictors such as age, sex and BMI are a part of psychological well-being and hedonic hunger.

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Fig. 1: Perceived depression, anxiety and stress levels of participants.

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Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, TY, upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We thank to all participants for their support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. İzmir Katip Çelebi University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, İzmir, Türkiye

    Tuba Yalçın

  2. Gazi University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara, Türkiye

    Feride Ayyıldız

  3. Ankara University Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ankara, Türkiye

    Mustafa Volkan Yılmaz & Esma Asil

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Contributions

YT, AF, YMV, and AE were responsible for the study design. YT, and AF were responsible for data collection. YT, and AF were responsible for data analysis. The first draft of the manuscript was written by YT which was subsequently revised based on the input from all authors. All authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Tuba Yalçın.

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Yalçın, T., Ayyıldız, F., Yılmaz, M.V. et al. Relationship of perceived depression, stress, anxiety levels and hedonic hunger. Int J Obes 47, 717–723 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-023-01315-3

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