The Relationship Between Eating Behaviors and Functional Status in Female Patients Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

Abstract

Aim. To evaluate whether eating behaviors of female patients with fibromyalgia syndrome differ from those of the healthy population, what factors affect these behaviors, and whether eating behaviors are effective on patients’ life quality and functional status. Materials and Methods. This cross-sectional and observational study included 55 female fibromyalgia patients and 55 healthy female volunteers. All participants were assessed using demographic data, body mass index (BMI), and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) (Uncontrolled Eating, Cognitive Restraint, Emotional Eating, and Hunger Susceptibility). Fibromyalgia patients were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Results. BMI, Uncontrolled Eating, and Hunger Susceptibility scores differed significantly between fibromyalgia patients and healthy volunteers (p < 0.05). In fibromyalgia patients, the TFEQ subscores were not correlated with the FIQ (p > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the Cognitive Restraint score and age, rest and night pain scores in fibromyalgia patients (p< 0.05). Increasing age was an independent predictor of Cognitive Restraint in fibromyalgia patients (p=0.003). Conclusions. The proportion of overweight/obese patients, BMI, Uncontrolled Eating, and Hunger Susceptibility were significantly higher among fibromyalgia patients. Fibromyalgia patients’ eating behaviors were not associated with their quality of life and functional status. Increasing age appeared to be a predictor of Cognitive Restraint degree.