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Association of obesogenic environment and hedonic appetite with chronic fatigue in Turkish adults
Chronic fatigue is characterized by persistent physical, emotional, and cognitive exhaustion that is unrelieved by rest. This study investigates the predictive roles of obesogenic environments and hedonic appetite in chronic fatigue among 505 Turkish adults aged 18–65. Using a comprehensive questionnaire that included demographic data, dietary habits, the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS), the Power of Food Scale (PFS), and the Assessment of Obesogenic Environment Scale (AOES), the findings indicate a higher proportion of women in the highest tertile of fatigue (p = 0.014). Regular exercise was less prevalent in the highest tertile compared to the first and second tertiles (p = 0.001), while sedentary behavior exceeding 4 hours per day was notably lower in the first tertile (p = 0.007). Additionally, screen time during meals was more common among individuals in the highest tertile of fatigue (41.2% compared to 27.2% in the first tertile; p = 0.016). A preference for fast food when dining out was reported at 44.5% in the first tertile, which was lower than in the subsequent tertiles (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that increases in hedonic appetite (β = 0.370, p < 0.001) and exposure to obesogenic environments (β = 0.131, p = 0.002) correlated positively with fatigue symptoms. Notably, individuals with high chronic fatigue levels were found to inhabit more obesogenic environments, despite having favorable cultural factors and access to experts (p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants maintaining a regular sleep schedule reported significantly lower fatigue levels (β = −0.146, p < 0.001). The study concludes that obesogenic environments, irregular sleep patterns, and hedonic appetite are significant predictors of fatigue perception. Implementing strategies to enhance the physical, social, and economic dimensions of obesogenic environments, alongside addressing hedonic appetite through therapeutic interventions, may be crucial for preventing chronic fatigue. Such measures could bolster societal resilience and promote overall well-being. [NPID: Chronic fatigue, hedonic appetite, fatigue, obesogenic, appetite]
Year: 2025
