Combined Insights from Leachate Structure and Microstructure Characteristics for Eating Quality of Convenience Rice Processed by Super-Heated and Pressurized Steam Technologies

Convenience rice has become widely popular due to its easy availability for cooking. This study investigated the starch structure and composition of leachate and the microstructure of reheated convenience rice using novel processing technologies: super-heated steaming(SHS), auto-electric cooking(AEC), and pressurized-steam cooking(PSC). Additionally, the effect of two different target water contents(58% and 63%) was also evaluated. The PSC_63% sample had the highest total solids and amylopectin amount in the leachate. The amylopectin amount in the leachate differed significantly based on the targeted water content. Morphological characterization revealed that the swelling of starch and the coated layer on the surface of rice grains were most pronounced in the PSC_63% sample due to the pressure processing. The textural hardness of the AEC_58% sample was much higher than that of the other samples. The PSC_63% sample had the highest textural adhesiveness value, which can be attributed to the highest amylopectin amount in the leachate. Sensory characterization showed that the PSC_63% sample had the highest glossiness, whiteness, moistness, and overall acceptability. The principal component analysis score plots presented substantial differences in the leachate and textural and sensory characteristics of reheated convenience rice among the different processing technologies.

Eating Disorders and Pregnancy: The Case of Anorexia

The question of the link between pregnancy and eating disorders is an important question. At the moment, there are few concrete answers for these patients. Despite common fertility challenges, patients who suffer from ED are able to access maternity. ED and pregnancy can either have an easy evolution or experience a lot of trouble. Many studies describe obstetrical and foetal complications (low birthweight, inadequate intra-uterine growth, small head circumference, miscarriage, caesarean section). Those patients are frequently reluctant to address their disease with their specialist, who also often doesn’t know how to screen the signs. The lack of official data to train the specialists further increases these difficulties. However, ED are frequent in the general population and young patients are likely to eventually want to become mothers. It is thus essential to know how to screen those patients early and accurately to improve their treatment and care. Eating disorders impact the pregnancy, the delivery and the postpartum as well as the growth of the baby. It is an important public health problem. The evolution from being a woman to becoming a mother is a difficult one, and even more so when the women is suffering from ED. Those patients must handle their nutritional fears, the anxiety about their body changing with pregnancy and the daily challenges. The early interactions with their baby have consequences on their development. It seems necessary to evaluate how to improve the screening and the patient care in ED patients. Screening should begin from the pregnancy desire to the postpartum. This patient care should be based on a multidisciplinary care team.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Orthorexia Nervosa Symptomatology and Other Disordered Eating

While some research has explored racial and ethnic differences in disordered eating, this study may be the first to examine these differences in orthorexia nervosa, involving obsessive-compulsive thoughts and behaviors concerning healthy eating, which negatively impact one’s life. Adult participants, recruited from college courses and social media, completed an online survey with the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Regarding racial and ethnic background, 743 were White, 249 were Hispanic, 87 were Black, 61 were Asian or Pacific Islander, and 110 were biracial/multiracial. A MANCOVA revealed that the racial and ethnic groups did not differ on the ONI subscales assessing orthorexic behaviors, impairments, and emotions, after accounting for gender, BMI, and EAT-26 total scores that were covariates. In contrast, a second MANCOVA did reveal group differences on the EAT-26 subscales, after accounting for gender, BMI, and ONI total scores that were covariates. Black participants scored significantly lower than the other racial and ethnic groups on the subscale assessing dieting behaviors characteristic of anorexia nervosa, and the subscale assessing binge-eating and purging behaviors characteristic of bulimia nervosa. Further, Hispanic participants scored significantly lower than White participants on the latter subscale. These findings suggest that while orthorexic symptomatology does not differ based on race and ethnicity, a Black race and Hispanic ethnicity may be protective factors against disordered eating, perhaps related either to cultural norms concerning body image or to the resiliency and social support among the Black and Hispanic communities.

Creating a Better Future Together

China-Europe exchanges are of great significance not just for China and Europe,but also for the entire world as well.

Biopsychosocial Review of Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental illnesses known to occur. Eating disorders directly cause 10,200 deaths each year, which is one death every 52 minutes. About 9% of the global population is affected by eating disorders at some point during their lifetime. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of the factors that contribute to the onset of eating disorders. Specifically, we examine biological factors, such as genetics, family history and the neuroscience behind eating disorders;furthermore, we explore psychological factors including other mental health conditions and their correlation, personality traits and behavioral risk factors;lastly, we consider social factors related to the onset of eating disorders, such as childhood and social environment, the media, and demographic factors.

Eating Disorders among Students in Northern Benin (2023)

Introduction: From their earliest hours, human beings are able to identify a source of food and to feed themselves. Feeding is therefore one of the most instinctive human functions. It is regulated by several factors (physiological, psycho-affective and environmental) whose disruption can lead to eating disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate eating disorders among students in the town of Parakou in 2023. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from January to July 2023 in various universities in the city of Parakou, Benin. The study population consisted of all students in grades 1 to 7 at these universities. A two-stage non-proportional stratified sampling technique combined with a simple random draw was adopted. The Eating Attitude Test-26, Bulimia Inventory Test Edinburgh and a set of questions focusing on the diagnostic criteria for pica were used to screen for pica and other disorders such as anorexia, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 25. Results: A total of 607 students were surveyed, 323 of whom had eating disorders. A prevalence of 53.21% of students at risk of eating disorders was found. In relation to the total population, the prevalences of anorexia, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and pica were 45.96%, 0.82%, 15.48% and 12.68% respectively. In multivariate analysis, seven factors explained the risk to develop at least one eating disorder among the students surveyed. These were: urban area of residence (OR (95% CI) = 5.059 (1.75 - 14.65);p = 0.003);year of study (OR (95% CI) = 0.47 (0.28 - 0.79);p = 0.035);type of university attended (private university: OR (95% CI) = 1.63 (1.08 - 2.44);p = 0.019);parents’ marital status (couple or not) (OR (95% CI) = 1.50 (1.01 - 2.24);p = 0.046);father’s level of education: secondary (OR (CI 95%) = 3.85 (1.96 - 7.54);p 0.001)/higher (OR (CI 95%) = 2.83 (1.36 - 5.86);p = 0.005);mother’s one: secondary (OR (CI 95%) = 0.30 (0.18 - 0.51);p 0.001)/superior (OR (CI 95%) = 0.31 (0.16 - 0.61);p = 0.001);the presence of doubtful (OR (CI95% = 1.69 (1.11 - 2.58);p = 0.009) or certain anxiety symptomatology (OR (CI 95%) = 1.69 (1.11 - 2.58);p = 0.009). Conclusion: More than half the students in Parakou had at least one eating disorder. Diagnostic studies are needed, even if preventive actions are already necessary.

Advances in the Study of Psychological Stress and Eating Behavior in Children and Adolescents

With the rapid development and change in society,children and adolescents are facing more and more psychological pressure,which comes not only from academic performance and interpersonal relationships but also from family environment,social expectations and other aspects.Psychological stress not only affects the mental health of children and adolescents but is also closely related to their eating behavior.Therefore,exploring the relationship between psychological stress and eating behaviors is of great significance in promoting the physical and mental health development of children and adolescents.Based on this,the study reviewed the research progress on the relationship between psychological stress and eating behavior of children and adolescents in recent years.The relationships between psychological stress and general eating behaviors,abnormal eating behaviors and eating disorders were successively reviewed,and the related physiological mechanisms were explored with a view to providing a scientific basis for mental health education and eating behavior intervention for children and adolescents.

A causal model of eating behaviors among Thai pregnant women working in industrial factories

Objective:This study aimed to examine the causal model of eating behaviors among pregnant women working in industrial factories.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted on 210 participants,attending 4 healthcare centers,at a tertiary care hospital in Chonburi province,Thailand.Data were collected using 7 questionnaires:demographic form,eating behavior questionnaire,perceived benefits of the healthy eating questionnaire,perceived barriers to the healthy eating questionnaire,perceived self-efficacy questionnaire,social support questionnaire,and accessibility to healthy foods questionnaire.Descriptive statistics and path analysis were used for data analysis.Results:The participants had relatively high mean scores for eating behaviors.The final model fitted well with the dataχ^(2)=12.86,df=10,P=0.23;χ^(2)/df=1.29;comparative fit index(CFI)=0.98;goodness-of-fit index(GFI)=0.98;adjusted goodness-of-fit index(AGFI)=0.95;root mean square error of approximation(RMSEA)=0.04.Four factors-perceived benefits(β=0.13,P<0.05),perceived self-efficacy in healthy eating(β=0.22,P<0.001),pregnancy planning(β=0.28,P<0.001),and accessibility to healthy foods in the factory(β=0.12,P<0.05)-positively affected eating behavior,while only perceived barriers to healthy eating had a negative effect on eating behavior(β=−0.24,P<0.001).All the above factors explained 27.2%of the variance in eating behaviors.Conclusions:Nurses or healthcare providers can apply these findings to create an eating behavior modification program,focusing on pregnancy planning,behavior-specific variables,and interpersonal and situational influence,to promote the nutritional status of pregnant women working in industrial factories.

Analysis of the Relationship between Eating and Swallowing Function and Lifestyle of the Elderly Living in the Community-A Secondary Publication

Objectives:The relationship between eating and swallowing function,and lifestyle among community-dwelling elderly people has not been extensively studied.This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of eating and swallowing function and their association with the lifestyle among the elderly.Methods:A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted on 419 elderly people who participated in the oral function improvement project operated by the Community Comprehensive Support Center.A total of 288 valid responses(58 males,230 females,average age 73.6 years)were analyzed.The survey items included basic demographics,health status,lifestyle,and eating and swallowing functions.The chi-square(χ2)test was used to compare for a difference in the risk of dysphagia.Results:72 patients(25.0%)were judged to be at risk for dysphagia,and 216(75.0%)were judged to be not at risk for dysphagia using the revised dysphagia risk assessment scale.The mean score for oral preparatory dysphagia was the highest,while the mean score for pharyngeal dysphagia was the lowest.The group at risk of dysphagia had significant difficulty in chewing and had bad sleep quality as compared to the group that was not at risk.Conclusion:Concerning the risk of dysphagia,there is a need to maintain and improve masticatory function.In addition,improving the swallowing function of the elderly may prevent insomnia and improve sleep quality.

Effects of the potassium application rate on lipid synthesis and eating quality of two rice cultivars

Lipid content has an important effect on rice eating quality,but the effects of fertilizer application rate on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice are not well understood.Potassium(K)has a strong influence on rice quality and the requirement for K fertilizer in rice is greater than for nitrogen(N)and phosphorus(P)fertilizers.To investigate the effects of K fertilizer on the lipid synthesis and eating quality of rice,we used Nanjing 9108(NJ9108,japonica)and IR72(indica)rice as experimental materials and four K levels:K0(0 kg ha^(-1)),K1(90 kg ha^(-1)),K2(135 kg ha^(-1))and K3(180 kg ha^(-1)).The results showed that the lipid content,free fatty acid(FFA)content,unsaturated fatty acid(UFA)content,malonyl-CoA(MCA)content,phosphatidic acid(PA)content,lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and eating quality first increased and then decreased with increasing K in both cultivars.The maximum values were obtained under K2.However,the saturated fatty acid(SFA)content showed the opposite trend.No significant differences were found in pyruvate(PYR)content among the K treatments.The protein and oxaloacetic acid(OAA)contents and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase(PEPCase)activity of NJ9108 first decreased and then increased with increasing K,and the minimum values were obtained under K2;while IR72 showed the opposite trend and the maximum values were obtained under K1.Overall,increasing K optimized the fatty acid components and increased the lipid content and eating quality of rice by enhancing lipid synthesis-related enzyme activities and regulating substrate competition for lipid and protein synthesis.The optimal K application rate for lipid synthesis,eating quality and grain yield was 135 kg ha^(-1)for both cultivars.

Effects of time-restricted eating with different eating duration on anthropometrics and cardiometabolic health:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Time-restricted eating(TRE)is a dietary approach that limits eating to a set number of hours per day.Human studies on the effects of TRE intervention on cardiometabolic health have been contradictory.Heterogeneity in subjects and TRE interventions have led to inconsistency in results.Furthermore,the impact of the duration of eating/fasting in the TRE approach has yet to be fully explored.AIM To analyze the existing literature on the effects of TRE with different eating durations on anthropometrics and cardiometabolic health markers in adults with excessive weight and obesity-related metabolic diseases.METHODS We reviewed a series of prominent scientific databases,including Medline,Scopus,Web of Science,Academic Search Complete,and Cochrane Library articles to identify published clinical trials on daily TRE in adults with excessive weight and obesity-related metabolic diseases.Randomized controlled trials were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias using version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials(RoB-2).Outcomes of interest include body weight,waist circumference,fat mass,lean body mass,fasting glucose,insulin,HbA1c,homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),lipid profiles,C-reactive protein,blood pressure,and heart rate.RESULTS Fifteen studies were included in our systematic review.TRE significantly reduces body weight,waist circumference,fat mass,lean body mass,blood glucose,insulin,and triglyceride.However,no significant changes were observed in HbA1c,HOMA-IR,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,heart rate,systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Furthermore,subgroup analyses based on the duration of the eating window revealed significant variation in the effects of TRE intervention depending on the length of the eating window.CONCLUSION TRE is a promising chrononutrition-based dietary approach for improving anthropometric and cardiometabolic health.However,further clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal eating duration in TRE intervention for cardiovascular disease prevention.

Eating Habits of High School Students in the District of Bamako in the Context of Nutritional Transition

Introduction: Eating habits are consolidated in early childhood and continue throughout life. Adolescence is a stage of rapid growth linked to puberty affected by the nutritional transition. This study aimed to evaluate the eating habits of high school students in the district of Bamako. Methodology: The cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted from June 15 to July 4, 2023. The sample size was calculated with the StatCalc program of the Epi 7.2 software. Data was collected using a questionnaire on KoboCollect. Analyses were performed using SPSS 26 software. Results: A total of 2400 high school students were surveyed. The average age of high school students was 16.9 years ± 1.4. The median age was 17, with extremes of 14 and 19. Of the high school students, 53.3% were boys. The sex ratio (M/F) was 1.14. About 89.4% of high school students had a Smartphone. Among high school students, 51.1% did not engage in physical activity outside of high school. Rice was the cereal most consumed by high school students (99.2%). Consumption of fish and seafood was very low (25.5%). Soft drinks were consumed on average 4.2 days/week. In addition, 60.8% of high school students consumed energy drinks. Certain eating behaviors were found in this study, such as nibbling (38.5%), eating in front of screens (79.0%), and skipping meals (46.1%). Conclusion: The most consumed cereal by high school students was rice. The consumption of ultra-processed products and sedentary leisure are habits to be monitored in the context of the prevention of food-related non-communicable diseases among high school students in the district of Bamako.

Eating Patterns and Daily Dietary Recall of Primary School Pupils: An Empirical Evidence from A School Feeding Scheme

The objective of this study was to experimentally evaluate children’s daily food memory and eating habits.The study found that the gender and school location had an impact on the nutritional condition of primary school students as well as the school food scheme.The investigations were based on three hypotheses and three research questions.In this study,the Eating Habits and Daily Dietary Recall Scale was the tool utilized to gather data(EPDDRS).Four experts—three from the department of vocational education and one lecturer in test and measurement evaluation—validated the instrument’s face.The dependability indices of EPDDRS were calculated using Cronbach’s Alpha.While delivering the instruments,the researcher used the direct administration and retrieval approach.58 instructors and a sample size of 1240 students were selected using a systematic random selection approach.The obtained data was examined using mean and standard deviation to address the research objectives,and the null hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics and Analysis of variance(ANOVA)at the 0.05 level of significance.The main conclusions of this study were that the school meal program had a favorable impact on the students’nutritional status.Also,a balanced ration of nutrient-dense meals that were suitably varied was supplied for the students via the school food program.Also,the findings revealed a substantial difference in the mean assessments of male and female students about their eating patterns.On the school meal program’s dietary recall list,students from high,middle,and low socioeconomic status differ significantly.Recommendations were given to the government,schools,and parents based on the study’s findings.The study’s shortcomings were discussed,and recommendations for more research were made.

Potential preventive effects of time-restricted eating on cancer

Intermittent fasting is a novel dietary intervention that has been demonstrated to improve the efficacy of cancer therapy and reduce complications.Time-restricted eating is a specific form of intermittent fasting.It usually restricts only the daily eating window and not the amount of calories consumed.In addition to providing a means for weight management and improving metabolism like other intermittent fasting methods,time-restricted eating also synchronizes circadian rhythms and affects autophagy levels,which has potential antiaging effects.Some studies have shown that time-restricted eating can prevent tumorigenesis and slow tumor progression.Moreover,because of its simplicity and mild adverse effects,time-restricted eating is safe and has a high rate of compliance.It may be used an adjuvant therapy and may be part of a healthy lifestyle suitable for long term by cancer patients or those at high risk of developing specific cancers.This article expounds on the potential impact of time-restricted eating on the prevention and treatment of cancer,as well as the potential mechanism(s)of action.There are 3 main aspects considered to be impacted by time-restricted eating:improving obesity and metabolic disorders,synchronizing the circadian rhythm,and upregulating autophagy.We herein present the current research progress related to the effects of time-restricted eating on malignant tumors.The purpose of this review is to provide a theoretical basis and direction for future research to explore the potential of time-restricted eating as a nutritional intervention to prevent the occurrence of cancer and as a treatment or adjuvant therapy for cancer.We believe that this approach may be conducive to improving the nutritional status of cancer patients and improving their prognosis and quality of life.

Psychological flexibility, occupational burnout and eating behavior among working women

Background: Occupational burnout is associated with diminished psychological flexibility and higher emotional (EE) and uncontrolled eating (UE). Psychological flexibility could be a mediating factor between burnout and eating behaviour. Objectives: To investigate differences in eating behaviour between those with different levels of psychological flexibility, and the association of the interaction between psychological flexibility and occupational burnout with eating behaviour. Design: The participants were working women (n = 263), who took part in the randomized controlled health intervention trial. Analyses were performed in a cross-sectional setting at baseline. Methods: Eating behaviour was measured using the Three Factor Eating Behaviour Questionnaire-18 [which evaluates EE, UE and cognitive restraint (CR)], psychological flexibility using Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II and occupational burnout using Bergen Burnout Indicator-15. Participants were divided into four groups based on the quartile points of psychological flexibility. Results: The EE of those who were inflexible was higher than that of those whose flexibility was high moderate (p = 0.013) and who were flexible (p = 0.001). The UE of those who were inflexible was higher than the UE in the other groups with higher flexibility [low moderate (p = 0.034), high moderate (p een occupational burnout and EE and UE. Multivariate analysis of variances revealed that the combination of psychological flexibility and burnout had a stronger association with the variances of EE and UE than psychological flexibility alone. Conclusions: Persons who are psychologically inflexible have higher EE and UE. Future studies should investigate if increasing psychological flexibility helps decrease EE and UE.

Mapping the landscape and structure of global research on binge eating disorder:Visualization and bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND Binge-eating disorder(BED)is a clinical syndrome and is considered the most common type of eating disorder.However,our understanding of the global performance and progress of BED research is limited.AIM To describe and perform a bibliometric analysis of the state of BED research.METHODS The term‘Binge eating’was searched in the title throughout the previous year’s up to December 31,2020.We searched the Scopus and Reference Citation Analysis for publications on Binge eating.The VOSviewer software version 1.6.17 was used to produce the network visualization map of the most frequent author,collaborative relationships between countries/regions,and to determine the hotspots related to binge eating research.In addition,conventional bibliometric indicators were generated.RESULTS The search strategy found 2713 total articles and an average of 62 articles per year.Among them,‘Article’represented 82.49%of the publications(n=2238 articles)and was the most frequent type,followed by reviews(n=243;8.96%).The number of publications increased steadily during the last decade of the study period.One hundred and thirty-two countries contributed to binge eating research,with 1495(55.11%)articles published in the United States,followed by Italy with 256(9.44%),the United Kingdom with 183(6.75%),and Germany with 182(6.71%).Currently,the main hot topics related to BED are‘type of treatment and management and treatment provided to BED”;“processes and pathways to binge eating”;and‘diagnosis,signs and symptoms,comorbidities and prevalence and associated factors with BED’.CONCLUSION The number of publications has increased noticeably during the previous decade.There are indeed relatively few publications on BED from low-and middle-income nations,so much is to be learned from the experience of all countries.Studies on this topic are critical in all countries to discover risk factors and effective intervention measures.Although our findings are preliminary,they imply that the future prospects for interventions aimed at BED management are bright,focusing on complex models of care and long-term maintenance of therapeutic gains.

Does food addiction distinguish a specific subgroup of overweight/obese overeating women?

Neurophysiological and behavioral similarities have been evidenced between excessive food consumption leading to obesity and addiction to other substances. In accordance, food addiction was defined following the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for substance dependence. The aim of this pilot study was to identify a subgroup of women suffering from food addiction (n = 11), and to compare them to women suffering from substance-use disorder (n = 23), and to women seeking treatment for compulsive overeating but free from food addiction (n = 12) on addiction-related characteristics (reward sensitivity, impulsivity, personality traits, depression, emotion dysregulation). We hypothesized that women with food addiction would be similar to women with substance-use disorders, and different from women with compulsive overeating without food addiction. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires assessing food addiction and other variables related to addiction. Almost half (47.8%) of women with compulsive overeating fulfilled the criteria for food addiction. Although food addiction does not account for every case of compulsive overeating, it characterizes a specific subgroup of overweight/obese women who show more severe overeating. Women with food addiction seem to be more similar to women suffering from substance-use disorders than to other women with overeating difficulties, particularly regarding impulsivity and self-directedness.

Normalizing the Neural Correlates of Binge-Eating Disorder with Lisdexamfetamine: A Case Report and Literature Review

The brain regions associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) and those targeted by Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) overlap. The present paper reviews the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms at play in BED and compulsive eating behaviours, along with the mechanisms of action LDX is thought to play. We present one case of chronic BED and highlight the EEG scans pre- and post-LDX treatment. The normalization of the patient’s electroencephalogy (EEG) activity associated with BED after LDX supports theorized mechanisms of LDX action, further explaining its efficacy in treatment. A significant decrease in theta band power was observed in the patient after treatment with LDX. Specifically, this decrease was modulated by changes in the F8 electrode corresponding to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)—An area associated with deficits in inhibitory function, seen in addictions and BED. A better understanding of the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms involved in BED and LDX treatment has the potential to significantly enhance our knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis, potential prevention, and optimal treatment options for patients.

Prevalence of Disordered Eating among Non-elite Multisport Endurance Athletes

The prevalence of concerns about food and body weight among non-elite multisport endurance athletes is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of symptoms and concerns related to disordered eating and their association with performance among 162 non-elite athletes involved in multisport endurance summer and winter events. Self-reported symptoms and concerns related to disordered eating were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 （EAT-26） questionnaire. The mean EAT-26 score （~ SEM） was 6.5 ~ 0.5 and only 9 athletes （5.6%） scored 20 arbitrary units or above. In multivariate regression stepwise analyses, the EAT-26 score （~ = 0.145, P = 0.0003） significantly predicted percent ranking. These findings suggest that the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of disordered eating is low among non-elite multisport endurance athletes. However, greater concerns regarding food intake and body weight may be associated with poorer performance even among non-elite athletes with normal BMI values and at the lower end of the EAT-26 score.

Eating Behavior of Students at the Technical University of Moldova during the Isolation Period

Appetizing peculiarities are formed from childhood and can vary throughout life. Although they are conditioned by genetic factors, over time, the internal regulation of eating behaviors is reduced, being influenced by a complex interaction of various external factors. According to the Behavioral Susceptibility (BST) Theory of Obesity, Food Sensitivity in Response to Food Stimuli (such as Food Sight and Smell) and Satiety Responsiveness (i.e. the ability to adjust diet in response to internal feelings of satiety) contribute to individual differences in terms of energy intake and weight status. The present research intended to assess the eating patterns and behavior of Moldovan students, especially those from Technical University of Moldova during the social isolation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted, based on the questionnaires (AEBQ—Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire), on a group of 602 students from Technical University of Moldova. Participation in the survey was entirely voluntary, did not involve any invasive procedure, nor did it induce changes in participants’ food patterns. The obtained results could contribute to the formation of the database for the study of the behavioral phenotype associated with the risk of obesity, but also for the study of eating behavior in crises. The questionnaire was distributed, in the form of a link, on the corporate emails of all TUM students. Respondents completed the questionnaire on the Google platform between 13.10.2021 - 25.11.2021, and the final database has been downloaded as a Microsoft Excel file. It was established a positive correlation between, Emotional Over-Eating and Emotional Under-Eating. Nervousness and anger were the most incriminating emotions of students that would cause both overeating and under eating. The results of the AEBQ questionnaire appear to be largely in line with previous studies, and the collected data present interest, in particular to prevent the risk of obesity.