Eating behavior and binge eating severity in relation to gender and body mass index (BMI) among tertiary education students in Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA)

Binge eating behavior among young adults in Malaysia is a growing concern, influenced by various psychological and social factors. This study aimed to examine the association between eating behavior patterns and binge eating severity among tertiary education students, with additional analysis of Body Mass Index (BMI) to explore its relationship with eating behaviors and binge eating across gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 students (56.2% male) at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) using convenience sampling. BMI was calculated from measured weight and height. Eating behavior was assessed using the validated Modified-Malay Eating Behavior Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ-Malay), and binge eating severity was evaluated using the Binge Eating Scale (BES). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sociodemographic and anthropometric data. The Mann–Whitney U test was applied to compare differences in eating behavior and binge eating severity between genders, and Spearman’s rank correlation was used to determine associations between BMI, binge eating, and eating behavior. Based on BMI classification, 12.4% of participants were underweight, 28.9% had normal weight, and 58.7% were overweight or obese. Regarding binge eating severity, 62.8% had no or minimal binge eating, 25.6% had moderate symptoms, and 11.6% were classified as having severe binge eating behavior. A weak but statistically significant positive correlation was found between BES score and BMI (ρ = 0.229, p = 0.012), suggesting that students with higher binge eating tendencies were more likely to have a higher BMI. No significant gender differences were observed in overall binge eating severity. These findings highlight the need for early identification of binge eating behaviors, particularly among students with elevated BMI. Institutions can use this data to design tailored health education programs that promote structured meal patterns and emotional regulation strategies. Strengthening early intervention and nutrition awareness efforts in tertiary institutions is essential to prevent the long-term health consequences of disordered eating.