Psychological and Nutritional Intervention in Mexican Youths: Eating Behavior, Anthropometric Indicators and Attitudes Towards Appearance, A Pre-Experimental Study

Anastacio-Landa F.; Dominguez-Lara S.A.; Romo-González T.; Herrera-Meza S.; Campos-Uscanga Y. · Revista Espanola de Nutricion Humana y Dietetica (2025) · DOI: 10.14306/renhyd.29.1.2296

Resumen

Introduction. Excess weight represents a risk for physical and mental health. The objective was to determine the effectiveness of a psychological and nutritional intervention in workshop format to improve body indicators, eating behavior and attitudes about appearance in young university students. Methods. A preexperimental study was conducted with pre and post intervention evaluation of educational workshops in psychology and nutrition, with follow-up at 6 months, in 54 university students, 31.5% men and 68.5% women, aged between 18 and 27 years (Xk = 20.72; SD = 2.04). The CARME and SATAQ-4 questionnaires and anthropometric evaluation were used. Results. Women had higher percentage of fat mass, emotional eating, internalization of thinness and media pressure than men, as well as lower body water percentage and muscle internalization. Body indicators showed sex-differentiated relationships with excess malnutrition risk eating behaviors and attitudes about appearance. After the intervention, in women there was a decrease in BMI and CTI, response to food, emotional eating, internalization of the ideal of thinness and family pressure. In men, there was a decrease in food response, consumption of high-calorie foods and internalization of the thin ideal. Conclusions. Psychological and nutritional intervention improved some body indicators and eating behaviors that predispose to the development of malnutrition due to excess, while improving attitudes about appearance. © (2025), (Asociacion Espanola de Dietistas-Nutricionistas). All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad de San Martín de Porres