The relationship between social media use, intuitive eating and dietary intake in adults

This study aims to examine the relationship between individuals' social media use and their intuitive eating behaviors and dietary intake. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted with 435 adult participants, aged 30.9 ± 10.4 years, through online and face-to-face surveys. Data were collected using the Intuitive Eating Scale-2, Social Media Usage Scale, a socio-demographic form, and a one-day food intake record. Data analysis was performed using the nutrition information system software (BEBIS) and SPSS, with significance levels set at p < 0.05. Among participants, 56.3% used social media during meals, and 46.9% reported snacking while watching social media. There was a weak positive correlation between Social Media Usage Scale scores and Intuitive Eating Scale-2 'Unconditional Permission to Eat' scores (r = 0.129; p < 0.01) and a weak negative correlation between 'Eating for Physical Rather than Emotional Reasons' scores (r = -0.252; p < 0.001). These results indicate that social media use was modestly associated with intuitive eating behaviors and food intake; however, due to the cross-sectional design, the results should be interpreted cautiously.