Psychometric evaluation of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire and its relationship with body mass index among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional validation study

TL;DR

This study validated a questionnaire for eating behaviors among Chinese university students and found links between these behaviors and body mass index.

Contribution

The study validated the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Chinese adults and identified gender and BMI correlations.

Findings

The AEBQ showed good reliability and fit after removing the Hunger subscale.

Female students scored higher in several eating behavior traits than males.

Food approach traits were positively linked to BMI, while food avoidance traits were negatively linked.

Abstract

Eating behavior critically impacts human health and the development of obesity. This study aimed to validate the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire (AEBQ) among Chinese university students and explore the relationship between appetitive traits and body mass index (BMI).

A total of 546 students from Southeast University completed the Chinese version of the AEBQ and self-reported anthropometric data. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the factor structure and evaluate model fit, and Spearman’s correlation assessed relationships between appetitive traits and BMI.

The original 8-factor, 35-item model showed a good fit, which improved further after removing the Hunger subscale. All subscales demonstrated strong reliability (α and ω > 0.70). Females exhibited higher scores in Enjoyment of Food, Emotional Over-eating, Food Responsiveness, and Satiety Responsiveness than males (p < 0.05). Food approach traits (except for Hunger) were positively correlated with BMI (p < 0.05), whereas food avoidance traits (except for Food Fussiness) were negatively correlated (p < 0.05).

The AEBQ is a reliable and valid psychological measurement for assessing appetitive traits in Chinese adults and conducting large-scale studies. Interventions targeting appetite traits provide new insights into weight management and obesity prevention.