Indicators and Determinants of Food Addiction among Fourth-grade Medical Students of Minia University in Egypt

Background: Food addiction (FA) exists in one-sixth of Egyptian adolescents. It is associated
with neuropsychiatric problems and is incriminated in the current obesity epidemic.
Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA and its indicators among
medical students of Minia University and to identify the predictors of FA indicators. Method:
A cross-sectional survey of 394 medical students was conducted during November 2020.
Students filled out a self-reported English questionnaire that included socio-demographics,
smoking habits, modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2 (mYFAS), Depression, Anxiety and
Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21), and The General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire
(GPPAQ). Results: The prevalence of FA among the studied medical students was 11.4% and
14.5% had three or more FA indicators. The most common FA indicator was craving (24.9%)
followed by withdrawal (16.2%), use in physically hazardous situations (15.2%), and
unsuccessful quitting (14.7%). The significant predictors of FA diagnosis were socioeconomic
level, BMI, and depression. Most FA indicators were significantly associated with depression
and/or stress. Furthermore, high BMI was associated with unsuccessful quitting, giving up or
reduced activities, and interpersonal problems. Smoking correlated to loss of control, craving,
and clinically significant impairment. The low socioeconomic level affected the withdrawal
symptoms and interpersonal problems. Conclusion: FA indicators are common among
medical students. Future studies should evaluate the impact of nutrition education and weight
control combined with smoking cessation and psychological support to promote healthy eating
behavior and reduce the rate of FA and obesity among medical students.