Beyond BMI: the complex interplay of reward sensitivity, eating behaviors, and BMI in female college students.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Heightened reward sensitivity (RS) may lead to greater preference for high-calorie foods, excessive intake, and weight gain. However, the association between RS, eating behavior traits, and body mass index (BMI) remains unclear.

Objective

We examined the relationship between RS and BMI and explored the associations of eating behavior traits with RS among female college students.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with female students aged 18-25 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to calculate BMI. Eating behaviors were assessed using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, which measures cognitive restraint, disinhibition, and hunger. RS was evaluated using the progressive ratio task. Correlations between BMI,

SUBMITTER: Aldhwayan M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12667182 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature