Not Hungry, but Still Snacking: The Association Between Hedonic Hunger and Snacking Behaviour Among Young Adults in Vadodara, Gujarat

Background: Hedonic hunger refers to the recurring thoughts, desires, and feelings about food in the absence of energy deprivation. The influence of hedonic hunger on snacking behaviour remains unclear, particularly among young adults in India. Aim: The present study aimed to understand the association between hedonic hunger and snacking behaviour among young adults aged 15-24 years in Vadodara, Gujarat. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 young adults from Vadodara, Gujarat, were included in the study. Participants were administered a structured questionnaire. Hedonic hunger scores were measured using the Power of Food Scale assessment. Anthropometric assessment was carried out using validated instruments. The associations between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, emotional eating, willpower, exercise, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were examined. Results: Results showed that 51.3% of individuals had moderate levels of hedonic hunger, while 23.3% exhibited severe signs, indicating a strong inclination towards consuming appetizing foods rich in salt, sugar, and fat. The study found a significant association between hedonic hunger and consumption of certain snacking items. Furthermore, hedonic hunger scores were related to additional factors such as emotional eating, willpower, and exercise. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between hedonic hunger scores and participants' weight (r=0.170; P= 0.039), but no such correlation was found with BMI. Conclusion: These findings shed light on the relationship between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, and related factors, contributing to our understanding of the complex interplay between food cravings and eating habits among adolescents.