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Survey study, 2023

Is emotional eating linked to PMS symptoms in teenagers?

Yes. As PMS symptoms increased, emotional eating behaviors also increased significantly. 74% of adolescents in the study had PMS.

Early or limited evidence 242 female adolescents aged 12-18

What they did

242 female adolescents aged 12-18 completed questionnaires measuring PMS symptoms and emotional eating behaviors.

What they found

74% had PMS. Fatigue, irritability, depressive thoughts, and appetite changes linked to PMS were significantly associated with emotional eating. Depressive symptoms increased as overall PMS increased.

What it means for you

PMS symptoms may drive emotional eating in teenagers, affecting nutrition and wellbeing. The study was limited to adolescents aged 12-18, so results may not apply to adult women.

74%

had PMS

242

adolescents studied

About the study

Original title
The Relationship Between Premenstrual Syndrome and Emotional Eating in Adolescents
Authors
Sinem Yalnızoğlu Çaka, Sümeyra Topal, Mine Akben
Journal
Kocaeli Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
Year
2023
Study design
Survey study
Participants
242
What was tested
None
Open access
Yes

Topics