Factors Associated with Binge Eating Behavior among Malaysian Adolescents

Abstract

Although there are numerous studies on binge eating behavior in the Western countries, studies on this behavior in Malaysia are still limited. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with binge eating behavior among adolescents in Malaysia. The study included 356 adolescents (42.7% males and 57.3% females), aged 13 to 16 years. They completed a self-administered questionnaire on demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, frequency of family meals, family meal environments, family cohesion, perception of body size, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, perfectionistic self-presentation, and binge eating behavior. Furthermore, their weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. It was found that 14.0% of the participants engaged in binge eating behavior (15.2% in females and 12.5% in males). Additionally, it was identified that high levels of depressive symptoms, high levels of body dissatisfaction, poor family cohesion, and low self-esteem were significantly contributed to binge eating behavior after controlling for sex (adjusted R2 = 0.165, F = 15.056, p < 0.001). The findings may suggest that improving the relationships between family members, along with eliminating adolescents’ negative emotions could help in the prevention of binge eating behavior among adolescents. The identified modifiable risk factors should be incorporated into binge eating preventive programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs.

Comparison of Factors Associated with Disordered Eating between Male and Female Malaysian University Students

“…In other words, all ethnic groups were at risk of DE in university students. Contrary to the several local studies, ethnicity was significantly associated with disordered eating in Malaysian children and adolescents [16,17,27]. It might imply that university students are more concerned about their body image compared to their younger counterparts that resulted in DE across the ethnic groups.…”

“…A previous study conducted in Malaysia had found that the higher acceptances towards body image in female undergraduate Malaysian medical students were associated with higher susceptibility to eating disorders [41]. Body size dissatisfaction also predicted a higher risk of DE in urban females [42] and appears to contribute to binge eating behaviours among Malaysian adolescents [17]. In a sample of South-East Asian university students, it was found that students who perceived themselves as overweight had higher odds of DE when compared to students who had perceived themselves as having normal body weight [19].…”

A Randomised Experiment Evaluating the Mindful Raisin Practice as a Method of Reducing Chocolate Consumption During and After a Mindless Activity

“…Overeating is associated with higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression in a number of large-scale studies (e.g. Jung et al 2017;Lee-Winn et al 2016), while the association between binge eating and psychological distress is also clearly recognised (Elliot et al 2013;Gan et al 2018). Literature has evidenced the impact of depression, anxiety and stress, or "wellbeing" on overeating and binge eating and provides a clear rationale for controlling for these effects in any experimental studies in eating behaviours.…”

A prospective study on the link between weight‐related self‐stigma and binge eating: Role of food addiction and psychological distress

“…The test–retest reliability and internal consistency of BES were 0.71 and 0.85, respectively (Mootabi et al, ). Also, the BES has been validated among adolescents (Cuzzocrea, Costa, Larcan, & Toffle, ; Gan, Mohamad, & Law, ).…”

“…The test-retest reliability and internal consistency of BES were 0.71 and 0.85, respectively (Mootabi et al, 2009). Also, the BES has been validated among adolescents (Cuzzocrea, Costa, Larcan, & Toffle, 2015;Gan, Mohamad, & Law, 2018). Informed consent was obtained from the school authorities before the commencement of this survey.…”