The mediating role of palatable eating motives in the associations of problematic digital technology use with body mass index and Mediterranean lifestyle in young adults.

The problematic use of digital technology is closely related to a sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits; however, the underlying mechanisms of these associations are unclear. It is believed that problematic use of digital technology may increase motives for eating palatable foods through changes in the reward system and exposure to food cues in digital environments, and that this may be associated with unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating role of palatable eating motives in the relationships between problematic digital technology use, body mass index (BMI), and Mediterranean lifestyle (MEDLIFE) among young adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed data obtained from 610 young adults. The data collection tools included Descriptive Information Form, Digital Addiction Scale (DAS), Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS), BMI and MEDLIFE index. The mean age of participants was 21.6 ± 1.7 years. In the mediation model between DAS and BMI, the total (β:0.215, 95%CI:0.586; 1.237), direct (β:0.167, 95%CI:0.365; 1.051) and indirect effects of PEMS (β:0.048, 95%CI:0.074; 0.346) were all statistically significant. In the mediation model between DAS and MEDLIFE index, the total (β:-0.456, 95%CI:-2.212;-1.603), direct (β:-0.424, 95%CI:-2.101;-1.451) and indirect effects of PEMS (β:-0.032, 95%CI:-0.251;-0.024) were all statistically significant. Findings suggest that higher digital addiction is associated with higher BMI and lower MEDLIFE, and these relationships are partially mediated by palatable eating motivations. Notably, the mediating effect was more pronounced in the association with BMI, whereas it was comparatively limited in the association with MEDLIFE.