Increased self-regulation of eating behavior is associated with reduced generalized anxiety disorder in Saudi Arabia
There is growing evidence that dietary practices and mental health are related to self-regulation of eating behavior (SREB). Nevertheless, the Saudi Arabian populace has little knowledge of these connections. Examining this association was the aim of this digital cross-sectional study by Ghabashi (2024). Data from Saudi Arabian volunteers (n = 651) who completed a brief eating habits survey, together with the self-regulation of eating behavior and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7) questionnaires, was used for analysis. Only 15.5% of patients had a high level of self-regulation of eating behavior, according to the data, but 65% reported having moderate to severe GAD symptoms. Higher SREB was significantly associated with lower GAD scores and reduced BMI. Regular breakfast eating and a greater daily fruit intake were also predictive of a higher capacity for SREB. These findings suggest that promoting SREB could be an effective approach to preventing obesity and improving mental health outcomes in Saudi Arabia. The physical and emotional health of this population may be enhanced by interventions that prioritize healthier eating habits. [NPID: Self-regulation, eating behavior, generalized anxiety disorder, mental health, dietary habits, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]
Year: 2024
