“Food addiction” is associated with night eating severity

In a sample of 244 older adults and 254 university students, higher global Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ) scores were significantly correlated with more food addiction (FA) symptoms, elevated depression, and poorer sleep quality.

• Higher NEQ scores were correlated with more FA symptoms in both age groups.
• Correlations between NEQ scores and depression and sleep quality were stronger in older adults than in university students.
• In older adults, higher body mass index (BMI) was significantly correlated with NEQ scores, but this was not observed in students.
• In students, 'continued use of food despite adverse effects' was the only FA symptom predictive of NES symptoms, while in older adults, food tolerance was the sole predictor.
• NES appears to be associated with FA, particularly in older adults, suggesting that higher food tolerance may lead to late-night eating behaviors.

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