Relation Between Binge Eating and Type 2 DM Risk factors among University Students: Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects over 14 million Egyptians and is increasingly linked to psychiatric conditions such as depression and binge eating disorder (BED). BED is marked by repeated episodes of consuming large amounts of food with a sense of loss of control, often followed by feelings of guilt or shame. The global prevalence of BED ranges from 0.6–1.8% in women and 0.3–0.7% in men. BED severity is classified by frequency of episodes and is officially recognized in the ICD-11. Both T2DM and BED present challenges in diagnosis and management due to their intertwined behavioral and metabolic aspects. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of T2DM among individuals with BED. The study also aims to explore the role of BED in metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance and to provide targeted preventive strategies & support the integration of mental health screening in early metabolic risk assessment protocols in university health systems Methods Cross-Sectional Study was conducted between 01/02/2025 & 10/07/2025 in Delta University. A total of 1,000 students were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-designed, structured, validated questionnaire and through physical interviews, anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests. Collected variables included demographics, anthropometric measurements, LDL, HbA1c, FBG, blood pressure & eating patterns. Statistical Analysis was performed using SPSS version 28, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square for prevalence; ANOVA for means; logistic regression for adjusted ORs. Results Among the 1,000 participants in the Study, Binge eaters represented 48% of the sample. They had significantly higher levels of diabetes-related risk factors, including obesity, high LDL, hypertension, and elevated HbA1c. Moderate significance was observed in fasting glucose levels. Male students and smokers had worse metabolic profiles overall. Notably, the 24-year-old subgroup showed extreme elevations in FBG and LDL. Binge eating remained a strong independent predictor of diabetes risk factors even after adjusting for variables such as gender and smoking. Conclusion Binge eating is strongly associated with elevated risk for T2DM in university students. Early screening, mental health integration, and lifestyle interventions are essential for reducing future metabolic complications.