Authors : Dr. Gautham S.V.; Dr. Fardeen Khan; Dr. Arun Murugan; Dr. Kavitha

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/22u8ydf8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/yc2cct5z

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr181

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Background: Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is an eating disorder characterized by delayed circadian pattern of food intake, evening hyperphagia, and nocturnal eating episodes. It is increasingly observed among young adults (college students) since they are exposed to academic stress and irregular sleep patterns.  Aim: To estimate the prevalence of Night Eating Syndrome among young adults using the Night Eating Questionnaire.  Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among young adults using the standardized Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ). Demographic data, sleep habits, eating behaviours, and anthropometric measurements were collected. NEQ scores were calculated, and prevalence of NES was determined using established cutoffs.  Results: A total of 229 participants were included. The mean NEQ score was 15.15 ± 7.16. Using screening thresholds, 9.61% participants showed possible NES (NEQ ≥25), while 2.62% showed strong indicators of NES (NEQ ≥30). NEQ scores varied across BMI categories, suggesting a possible relationship between night eating behaviour and body weight. NES has significant association with depression among the participants.  Conclusion: Night eating behaviors are present in a significant proportion of participants, highlighting the need for awareness and early lifestyle interventions.

Keywords : Night Eating Syndrome, NEQ, Eating Behaviour, BMI, Young Adults, College Students.

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