Body Composition, Academic Stress, and Emotional Eating: An Integrative Approach Using Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD)
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https://doi.org/10.37387/ipc.v13i3.418Keywords:
Body composition, academic stress, emotional eating, multivariate analysisAbstract
The aim of this study was to analyse body composition, academic stress and emotional eating in university students from a multivariate perspective, considering socio-demographic variables such as age, gender and major. Mixed Factor Data Analysis (MFDA) was used, a technique that combines quantitative variables (body fat percentage, body mass index, stress scales, and emotional eating) with qualitative variables (gender, age group, and major). The sample consisted of participants from different faculties who completed validated questionnaires to measure academic stress and emotional eating tendencies, as well as undergoing anthropometric assessments. The results showed two main dimensions: the first (Dim1) was closely related to body fat percentage (PBF), mood swings, anxiety and somatisation (CAS), and institutional demands (EDI). The second dimension (Dim2) was associated with visceral fat percentage (VFL), total fat mass (BFM), body mass index (BMI) and other dimensions of academic stress. In addition, socio-demographic variables showed differences based on gender and age, as reflected by their position in the factorial space. These findings highlight the importance of designing multidisciplinary interventions that simultaneously address physiological and psychological factors, as well as contextual characteristics, to promote more effective strategies for preventing and managing overweight and stress in university populations.
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