Profile of maladaptive and normative eating behaviors in correlation with rumination: a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults
2025

Eating Behaviors and Rumination in Lebanese Adults

Sample size: 400 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Awad Emmanuelle, Malaeb Diana, Fawaz Mirna, Youssef Lara, Brytek-Matera Anna, Hallit Souheil, Obeid Sahar

Primary Institution: Lebanese American University

Hypothesis

The study aimed to identify physical and psychological differences between maladaptive and normative eating behaviors in a sample from Lebanon.

Conclusion

The research demonstrated a relationship between Body Mass Index, physical activity, rumination, and maladaptive eating patterns including restriction of food intake, dieting, and orthorexia nervosa.

Supporting Evidence

  • Higher Body Mass Index and certain eating behavior clusters were significantly related to more dieting.
  • Higher physical activity index was associated with higher levels of orthorexia nervosa tendencies.
  • Maladaptive eating patterns were significantly associated with rumination.

Takeaway

This study looked at how people's eating habits and negative thoughts are connected, especially in Lebanon. It found that those who struggle with their eating often have higher body weights and more negative thoughts.

Methodology

A cross-sectional design was used with 400 participants recruited through snowball sampling.

Potential Biases

The snowball sampling method may increase selection bias, particularly as the sample was predominantly young and female.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported measures may introduce bias.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 18 and above, with a mean age of 25.93 years, and 65% were female.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s41155-024-00334-x

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