Hedonic Hunger and Problematic Internet Use Show Distinct Associations with General and Central Adiposity in Medical Students.

Background

Hedonic hunger and problematic internet use (PIU) have been linked to excess adiposity, but their differential associations with adiposity measures in medical students remain unclear.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 256 medical students (63.3% female; mean age 22.1 ± 2.4 years) at Balıkesir University in 2024. Hedonic hunger was assessed using the Power of Food Scale (PFS), and PIU using the Problematic Internet Use Scale (PIUS). Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Multivariable linear and binary logistic regression analyses were performed, together with secondary correlation and group-comparison analyses.

Results

Overall, 32.1% of participants had overweight or obesity. Mean PFS and PIUS total scores were 3.25 ± 0.73 and 2.61 ± 0.74, respectively. In multivariable models, higher PFS scores were associated with greater BMI (B = 1.32, p = 0.001) and higher odds of overweight/obesity (OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.13-2.84). Higher PIUS scores were associated with waist circumference (B = 3.85, p < 0.001) and WHR (B = 0.023, p = 0.027), but not with BMI. The association between PIUS and waist circumference was stronger in male students (PIUS × sex interaction, p = 0.006). PFS and PIUS scores were positively correlated (r = 0.299, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Hedonic hunger and PIU showed different cross-sectional associations with adiposity measures: hedonic hunger was associated primarily with BMI and overweight/obesity status, whereas PIU was associated with central adiposity measures. The association between PIU and waist circumference differed by sex. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the temporal relationships among these variables.