Abstract

This study investigates the diet quality and eating behaviors of college-attending young adults with food addiction. A sample of college students was recruited, and participants' food addiction status was determined using the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, and eating behaviors were evaluated using the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ). The results revealed that young adults with food addiction had poorer diet quality, characterized by higher consumption of unhealthy foods and lower intake of nutritious foods compared to non-food addicted individuals. Additionally, they exhibited maladaptive eating behaviors, such as higher levels of emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and cognitive restraint. These findings highlight the importance of addressing food addiction and promoting healthy eating habits among college students to improve their overall well-being.