Introduction

Hedonic hunger refers to the consumption of food for pleasure and is believed to be associated with the increase of obesity rates.

Aim of the research

The primary objective of this study is to examine the complex relationship between obesity and hedonic hunger, with a specific focus on comparing young adults with and without obesity.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional observational survey was conducted at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Istanbul Prof. Dr. Cemil Taşcıoğlu City Hospital, following approval from the Clinical Research Ethics Committee. The study included 338 participants from the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Sociodemographic characteristics were assessed through a 41-item questionnaire. Hedonic hunger was measured using the Power of Food Scale, and cigarette addiction was evaluated with the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test. Data were analysed using SPSS, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results

The mean age of participants was 32.8 ±8.24 years. The mean body mass index was 27.99 ±6.12 kg/m² for men and 29.51 ±8.99 kg/m² for women. A total of 40.53% (n = 137) of participants were classified as obese. The mean Power of Food Scale score was 2.85 ±0.9, and the mean Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test score was 4.13 ±3.33. Hedonic hunger levels were significantly higher in individuals with obesity (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This study highlights elevated hedonic hunger levels among individuals with obesity.