Timisoara Medical Journal

(1) Background: Exploring eating habits has revolutionized nutrition studies by elucidating the intricate relationship between food, nutrient interactions, and body composition, highlighting the need for deeper dietary analyses due to the global surge in obesity and its associated health risks, with bioimpedance-based body analysis emerging as a precise tool for body composition assessment. (2) Material and Methods: Using the TANITA BC 418 body composition analyzer, we examined 1015 subjects aged 18-74 years old. The study's objective was to identify risk factors for obesity. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, personal and family history of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), bioimpedance measurements and metabolic disease and 38 parameters/questions regarding dietary habits were recorded. Participants were categorized into four BMI groups: overweight, obese grade I, obese grade II, and obese grade III. (3) Results: Significant gender distribution differences were observed across BMI classes (p < 0.001), with more females in overweight and obese categories. Dietary habits such as two-course lunches showed potential associations between BMI groups (p=0.05). Psychological and behavioral factors like eating for pleasure (p=0.008) and eating alone (p=0.03) differed significantly among subgroups, underscoring emotional aspects in obesity management. Environmental factors revealed differences in weekend eating habits (p=0.02). Physical activity duration inversely correlated with BMI (p=0.009), with home cooking also showing significance (p=0.03). While current smoking status had marginal links to obesity (p=0.05), smoking cessation did not show significant associations (p=0.46). (4) Conclusions: Our study revealed significant differences in eating habits, medical histories, and physical activity among individuals with varying degrees of obesity. These findings underscore the complex interplay of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors contributing to obesity. Personalized approaches are crucial in addressing obesity, considering unique lifestyle factors and medical histories of patients. Our study provides valuable insights for the development of more effective strategies in obesity management and prevention. Full article