Evaluation of night eating syndrome in individuals with and without obesity

Abstract

Introduction: There are publications with contrasting results on the relationship between night eating syndrome and obesity. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and relationship between night eating syndrome (NES) in obese and non-obese participants. Material and methods: Between 1 January 2018 and 1 May 2018, 420 people ages 18–65 years who applied to İzmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital Family Medicine and Endocrinology outpatient clinics for any reason enrolled in this study. Body mass index (BMI = weight [kg]/height2 [m2]) was calculated by measuring participants’ height and weight. BMI values between 18.50 and 24.99 were normal weight, between 25.0 and 29.99 were overweight, between 30.0 and 39.99 were obese, and 40.0 and above were considered morbidly obese. Participants’ sociodemographic data, the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered by face-to-face interview technique. Results: The average age of the participants was 42 ± 13 years and 68.6% were female. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the participants was 31.8 ± 8.2. The prevalence of NES was determined: 10% of the participants had NES. The higher frequency of NES in patients with morbid obesity was found to be statistically significant compared to those without morbid obesity (p < 0.05). The mean BDS score was 23.5 ± 10.86 (min: 0, max: 46) in the NES group and 12.18 ± 88.95 (min: 0, max: 49) in the non-NES group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of BDS scores (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Because obesity has an important place in primary health care services, it is important to know the relationship between NES and depression. Recognition of NES and consideration of planned follow-up and treatment in the applicants will help to treat obesity more effectively.