AN EXTERNAL EXAMINATION OF EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES OF EATING BEHAVIOR IN A MULTICULTURAL SAMPLE

"Obesity, a complex disease with pandemic dimensions, is characterized by multifaceted determinants and far-reaching health consequences. The association between a high body mass index (BMI) and an array of chronic diseases, including NAFL, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, various malignancies, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic kidney disease, and mental disorders, underscores the impact of a progressively more sedentary lifestyle and the consumption of less healthy diets. The worldwide prevalence of obesity has nearly tripled since 1975, primarily due to the adoption of increasingly sedentary lifestyles and the consumption of less healthy diets. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion adults are overweight, with 650 million classified as obese. Without intervention, it is projected that 2.7 billion adults will be overweight and over 1 billion will be obese by 2025. Overeating and the control of eating behaviors and caloric intake are key factors. This research aims to analyze these factors and explore the underlying causes, including the significant impact of the environment and our social lives, encompassing cultural differences as influential factors on eating behavior, along with emotions. The results aim to provide better insight into our food choices, offering guidance for families—the foundational unit of society—and workplace environments, as well as the food industry, through practical applications. Ultimately, this research aids individuals in developing a deeper understanding of emotional and social behaviors in food choices. The study, conducted on 120 women above the age of 20 from Italy and Iran, is based on three BMI groups. Participants responded to two original surveys focusing on emotional and environmental factors within a more comprehensive framework, revealing a clearer self-understanding in food choices. The results present a nuanced perspective on cultural differences and distinctions within the three BMI categories."