The type of eating behavior (EB) in overweight and obese individuals depends on various factors, including gender, which should be considered when developing body weight (BW) reduction programs.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate eating behavior and autonomous nervous system status in apparently healthy overweight and obese women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 127 women aged 23 to 65 years (mean age 45.4±8.1 years), who were divided into three groups depending on the body mass index: group I included 69 (54.3%) women with normal BW, group II included 35 (27.6%) women with excess BW and group III included 23 (18.1%) women with grade I—III obesity. Anthropometric parameters were evaluated in all patients. The Dutch questionnaire (DEBQ) was used to assess EB patterns. Autonomic status was assessed using the autonomic dysfunction scale.

RESULTS

In women with normal BM, the rate of the restrictive type of EB was less compared with women with excessive BW (p<0.05). The rate of the emotional type of EB in obese women was higher than in women with excess BW (p<0.05). No differences were found in the external type of EB by BMI (p>0.05). In 99 (78.0%) women, regardless of BMI, the level of autonomic nervous system disorders was high.

CONCLUSIONS

Correction of eating disorders in persons with obesity to obtain positive results should be carried out considering gender characteristics and autonomous nervous system status. Medical advice for women due to the high frequency of restrictive and external types of their eating behavior (when women do not control their food intake and do not refuse it) should be aimed at maintaining a sensible and balanced diet.