Food addiction and its relationship with other eating behaviours among Spanish university students

Abstract

BackgroundFood addiction (FA) is characterised by symptoms such as loss of control over food consumption, inability to reduce consumption despite the desire to do so, and continued consumption despite negative consequences. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) is a widely used instrument to assess FA.ObjectivesTo validate the Spanish mYFAS 2.0; to analyse the relationships between FA with other eating behaviours, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index (BMI); and to test the eating-related variables that account for the variance in FA.MethodsThe sample consisted of 400 university students (M-age = 24.16, SDage = 6.12; 51% female), who completed the mYFAS 2.0 and measures of eating-related constructs.ResultsA confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the one-factor structure of the mYFAS 2.0. The scale showed good internal consistency (alpha = .78), and good convergent validity with the mYFAS. FA was related to eating styles, binge eating, and bulimia. No differences in FA were observed between males and females, and there was no association between FA and BMI. In addition, younger participants scored higher on FA than older participants. The eating-related variables explain 54.7% of the variance in FA.ConclusionsThe mYFAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable scale to assess FA in the Spanish population. The positive and significant relationship of variables related to eating (eating styles, binge eating and bulimia) with FA was demonstrated. These variables were indicated by those at high risk of FA. Plain English summaryFood addiction (FA) is characterised by excessive and dysregulated intake of high-calorie foods. Loss of control over food consumption, inability to reduce consumption, and continued consumption despite negative consequences are some of its symptoms. The modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0) is a brief instrument specifically developed to assess FA. The objectives of this study were: (1) to examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish mYFAS 2.0; (2) to analyse the relationships between FA with other eating behaviours, sociodemographic variables, and Body Mass Index (BMI); and (3) to test whether there are certain dietary variables that may be positively related to FA. We were able to provide evidence that the mYFAS 2.0 is a valid and reliable scale for assessing FA in the Spanish population. The positive and significant relationship of eating-related variables (eating styles, binge eating and bulimia) with FA was demonstrated. These variables can be considered to identify subgroups at high risk of FA.