Evaluation of obesity in university students with neck circumference and determination of emotional appetite

Abstract

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate obesity in university students with neck circumference and other anthropometric measurements and to determine their emotional appetite. Method: The study was conducted within the scope of Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Kırıkkale University in June-December 2017 in June-December 2017 term and 4873 students were reached. A questionnaire consisting of descriptive information and emotional appetite scale was applied to students and their obesity status were determined by taking anthropometric measurements. Results: Students consist of 56.3% females and 43.7% males. Mean body mass index (BMI) is 23.62±3.03 kg/m² in males and 21.66±3.08 kg/m² in females (p<0.001). Mean neck circumference is 37.50±2.49 cm in males and 32.18±3.51 cm in females (p<0.001). According to students’ BMI, 18.5% are overweight and obese, to neck circumference 36.6% are obese, and to waist circumference 22.4% are in the risk and high-risk group. 65.8% of males and 19.4% of females are obese according to neck circumference (p<0.001). Waist circumference/height ratio of males is 0.478±0.054 while that of females is 0.452±0.053. Central obesity was observed in 30.2% of males and 16.3% of females (p<0.001). A positive correlation was found between body weight, BMI, waist circumference, wrist circumference, waist/height ratio and neck circumference. Emotional appetite status of students and values of total positive scores are different from others in at least one of BMI groups (χ²=14.503; p=0.002). Total positive scores of thin students are higher than those who are overweight and obese (p<0.001). Total score in negative emotions/conditions is high in students who are obese according to neck circumference (Z=4.539; p<0.001). In negative and positive emotions/conditions, median score of total emotional appetite scale of males is higher than that of females (p<0.001). Conclusion: According to neck circumference, it is determined that obesity more common in males than females, males’ appetites increase more than females’ in positive and negative situations, and overweight and obese students exhibit more eating behaviour when they experience negative emotions.