Researchers studied over 1,000 adults to understand how three things connect: eating a Mediterranean diet (lots of vegetables, fish, and olive oil), binge eating episodes, and oral health quality of life. They found that people who follow a Mediterranean diet and have better tooth and mouth health tend to binge eat less often. The study also showed that weight, gender, relationship status, and income all play a role. This research suggests that to help people stop binge eating, doctors and nutritionists should work together to improve diet, mental health, and dental care all at the same time.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating Mediterranean-style foods, binge eating habits, and tooth/mouth health are connected to each other in adults
  • Who participated: 1,006 adults between ages 18 and 65 living in Turkey, with an average age of about 32 years old. They answered online surveys about their eating habits and oral health.
  • Key finding: Adults who followed a Mediterranean diet more closely and had better oral health reported less binge eating. People with higher body weight and those who were single showed more binge eating behavior.
  • What it means for you: If you struggle with binge eating, focusing on Mediterranean-style eating (more vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil) and taking care of your teeth and gums might help. However, this study shows a connection, not proof that one causes the other. Talk to your doctor or a nutritionist before making major changes.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers collected information from people at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers asked 1,006 adults in Turkey to complete online surveys about their eating habits, binge eating experiences, and oral health. They used three validated questionnaires: one to measure how closely people followed a Mediterranean diet, one to assess binge eating behavior, and one to evaluate how their teeth and mouth health affected their quality of life. The researchers then used statistical analysis to look for connections between these three areas.

The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating based on the traditional foods eaten in countries around the Mediterranean Sea, like Greece and Italy. It emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and olive oil while limiting red meat and processed foods. Binge eating means eating large amounts of food in a short time while feeling out of control. Oral health-related quality of life refers to how much someone’s teeth and mouth health affects their daily life and happiness.

This approach allowed researchers to see patterns and relationships between these three health areas in a large group of people, though it cannot prove that one thing directly causes another.

This study is important because most previous research looked at these three areas separately. By examining them together, researchers could see how they influence each other. Understanding these connections helps doctors and nutritionists create better treatment plans that address multiple aspects of health at the same time, rather than treating binge eating, diet, and dental health as separate problems.

The study used validated, well-established questionnaires that have been tested and proven reliable by other researchers. The sample size of 1,006 people is reasonably large, which makes the findings more trustworthy. However, because this was a cross-sectional study (a snapshot in time), it cannot prove cause-and-effect relationships. The study was conducted online in Turkey, so results may not apply equally to all populations worldwide. Additionally, people self-reported their behaviors, which means some answers might not be completely accurate.

What the Results Show

About 47% of the adults studied followed a Mediterranean diet fairly well. The researchers found that binge eating was connected to lower Mediterranean diet adherence and poorer oral health quality of life. In other words, people who binge ate less often tended to eat more Mediterranean-style foods and reported better tooth and mouth health.

When researchers looked at what predicted binge eating behavior, they found several important factors. Body weight was the strongest predictor—people with higher body weight were more likely to binge eat. Gender also mattered, with men showing more binge eating than women. Single people binge ate more than married or partnered people. Interestingly, people with lower income reported more binge eating.

Beyond these personal factors, the study found that both diet quality (Mediterranean diet adherence) and oral health quality of life independently predicted binge eating behavior. This means that even after accounting for weight, gender, and relationship status, eating habits and dental health still mattered. Together, all these factors explained about 20% of why some people binge eat more than others.

The study also found that binge eating was positively correlated with higher body weight, meaning people who binge ate tended to weigh more. Income status showed an interesting pattern—people with lower incomes reported more binge eating episodes. Marital status was significant, with single individuals showing higher rates of binge eating compared to married or partnered individuals. These secondary findings suggest that binge eating is influenced by multiple life circumstances and not just food choices or dental health.

This study is among the first to examine Mediterranean diet adherence, binge eating, and oral health quality of life all together in one population. Previous research has looked at Mediterranean diet and weight management, and other studies have examined binge eating separately. This research adds to our understanding by showing that oral health and diet quality may work together to influence binge eating behavior. The findings align with growing evidence that eating patterns and mental health are connected, and they extend this understanding to include oral health as an important factor.

This study has several important limitations. Because it was cross-sectional (a single snapshot in time), researchers cannot determine whether Mediterranean diet causes less binge eating, or whether people who binge eat less choose to eat Mediterranean-style foods. The study relied on people’s self-reports through online surveys, which may not be completely accurate—people might not remember their eating habits correctly or might answer differently than they would in person. The research was conducted in Turkey, so the findings may not apply the same way to people in other countries with different cultures and food traditions. Additionally, the study only explains about 20% of why people binge eat, meaning 80% of binge eating behavior is influenced by other factors not measured in this research, such as stress, emotions, genetics, or mental health conditions.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, consider adopting more Mediterranean-style eating habits if you struggle with binge eating. This means eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, nuts, and olive oil, and less red meat and processed foods. Additionally, prioritize your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist. However, these recommendations should be viewed as supportive strategies, not cures. If you experience regular binge eating, talk to a doctor, therapist, or registered dietitian who can provide personalized help. The confidence level for these recommendations is moderate—the research shows connections, but more studies are needed to prove direct cause-and-effect.

This research is most relevant for adults who experience binge eating or struggle with emotional eating. It’s also important for healthcare providers, nutritionists, and dentists who work with people managing eating disorders or weight concerns. People interested in the Mediterranean diet for general health will also find this useful. However, this study may not apply equally to teenagers, older adults, or people with diagnosed eating disorders who need specialized treatment. If you have a diagnosed eating disorder, work with a specialized treatment team rather than relying solely on dietary changes.

If you make changes based on this research, realistic expectations are important. Changing eating habits typically takes 2-4 weeks to feel natural. Improvements in binge eating behavior may take several weeks to months, depending on the severity and underlying causes. Oral health improvements from better habits may take 2-3 months to become noticeable. Remember that sustainable change is gradual, and working with healthcare professionals will likely produce better results than trying to change everything alone.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily Mediterranean diet adherence by logging servings of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, and olive oil consumed. Also track binge eating episodes (frequency and triggers) and daily oral health habits (brushing, flossing, dental visits). Use a simple 1-10 scale to rate how satisfied you feel with your eating and oral health each day.
  • Start by adding one Mediterranean diet element to each meal (like adding vegetables to breakfast or using olive oil in cooking). Set a daily reminder to floss and brush teeth. When you feel the urge to binge eat, use the app to log the trigger (stress, boredom, emotion) and try a replacement behavior like drinking water, taking a walk, or practicing a breathing exercise. Track these attempts to see patterns over time.
  • Weekly, review your logs to identify patterns in when binge eating occurs and which Mediterranean diet changes feel easiest to maintain. Monthly, assess changes in binge eating frequency and oral health habits. Every 3 months, evaluate overall progress and adjust your approach. Share this data with your healthcare provider to guide treatment decisions and celebrate improvements.

This research shows associations between Mediterranean diet adherence, binge eating, and oral health, but does not prove that one directly causes the other. This study is observational and cannot establish cause-and-effect relationships. If you experience regular binge eating, loss of control around food, or significant distress related to eating, please consult with a qualified healthcare provider, registered dietitian, or mental health professional. Do not use this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with your doctor before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications. This research is informational only and should not be considered medical advice.