Mindful eating, obesity, and risk of type 2 diabetes in university students: A cross-sectional study

Background: Understanding gender differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity risk among university students is critical for the development of health promotion interventions. Mindful eating focuses on how and why eating behavior occurs rather than what is eaten. Current research on this topic is limited in the university-aged population.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to (1) assess gender differences in risk of developing T2DM and elevated body mass index (BMI)/obesity; (2) explore the mindful eating levels according to the gender perspective; and (3) evaluate the relationship between mindful eating, BMI, and the risk of T2DM among young Turkish adults.

Method: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Karabuk University University, Turkey, during the 2017-2018 university calendar year. Eight hundred young adults were selected by the convenience sampling method. Data analyses used were the independent t test and Pearson correlational statistics.

Results: BMI values of males were significantly higher than those of females (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between males and females regarding the risk of developing T2DM (p > 0.05). Mindful eating was significantly associated with BMI and the risk of developing T2DM in the young adult populations (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our findings can provide a basic reference for developing interventions that improve healthy eating habits and weight-loss strategies.