Introduction: Obesity is a major social issue with increased prevalence globally over the decades. Emotional eating has been considered as one of the factors leading to weight gain and subsequent obesity. Literature shows potentially addictive properties of hyperpalatable foods, and the existence of food addiction. This study aims to classify individuals as a function of the relation between food intake and emotions in Indian and Indonesian population using Emotional Eater Questionnaire (EEQ) developed by Garaulet et al¹.

Method: Voluntarily consenting 69 Indians (25 males, 44 females) and 71 Indonesian adults (23 males and 48 females) in age range 20-45years were selected to observe and compare the relationship between emotional eating behaviour. The subjects had statistically matched body mass index (BMI). They answered EEQ as a google form that included demographic variables and eating attitude-related questions. Subjects diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, cancer, renal or heart diseases, endocrinal disorders and patients having any severe mood disorder on medication were excluded. The BMI were measured using Quetelet Index in kg/m² and subjects were classified as non-obese (BMI < 23 kg/m²) and obese (BMI > 23 kg/m²).

Results: Among Indians, 12 males and 24 females and among Indonesians 16 males and 25 females were found to be obese. BMI of the subjects was compared statistically intra and inter categorically using Spearman correlation. Depending on their EEQ scores, the subjects were categorized as non-emotional (EEQ score 0-5), low-emotional (EEQ score 6-10), emotional (EEQ score 11-20) and high-emotional (EEQ score >21) eaters.  Obtained results indicate that subjects with higher BMI have higher EEQ scores. Spearman coefficient showed significant association between the various categories of EEQ and had higher BMI. MannWhitney test was done to compare scores of EEQ between Obese and Non-obese subjects which showed a strong, positive correlation, which was statistically significant (p< 0.00001) for both Indian as well as Indonesian subjects. One way ANOVA applied between EEQ categories and BMI was also found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) for both nationalities.  

Discussion: Overeating and obesity stems from many biological factors engaging both central and peripheral systems in a bi-directional manner involving food and emotions. It was observed that the proportion of emotional eating is more in obese than in non-obese subjects. Pleasure associated with food consumption leads to Dopamine production, causing activation of brain reward pathways that overrides other signals of satiety and hunger. Thus, a gratification habit through a favorable food leads to overeating and obesity. Obtained results support the hypothesis that emotional eating is one behavioral mechanism between over-eating and subsequent development of obesity.

Conclusion: Emotional eating behavior can be quantified using EEQ score in Indian and Indonesian population. Participants with higher BMI showed higher EEQ scores suggesting emotional eating as one of the contributing factors of obesity. Identifying and developing quantifiable measures to assess behavioral adaptations associated with emotional eating could provide a means of holistic approach to obesity management and prevention.