Italian researchers studied 1,366 adults at a weight loss clinic to see how eating and exercise habits differ between people with different levels of obesity. They found that as people’s weight increased, they were more likely to eat too fast, skip meals, eat uncontrollably, and avoid fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables. They also exercised less and played fewer sports. While this study helps us understand different patterns in how people with obesity behave, it only looked at one point in time, so we can’t say these habits caused the weight gain.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How eating habits, food choices, and exercise patterns differ between people with different levels of obesity
  • Who participated: 1,366 adults seeking help at a weight loss clinic in Italy, grouped by how much they weighed
  • Key finding: People with higher levels of obesity were more likely to eat too fast, skip meals, eat uncontrollably, and avoid healthy fiber-rich foods
  • What it means for you: If you’re trying to lose weight, focusing on eating slowly, regular meals, and adding more fruits and vegetables might help, but talk to your doctor first

The Research Details

This was a snapshot study, meaning researchers looked at people’s habits at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. They divided 1,366 adults into five groups based on their weight levels, from overweight to severely obese. Everyone filled out questionnaires about what they ate, how they ate, how much they exercised, and how well they slept.

This type of study helps identify patterns and differences between groups, which can guide future research and treatment approaches. However, since it’s just a snapshot, it can’t prove that certain habits cause weight gain.

The study had a large number of participants from a real medical clinic, which makes the findings more reliable. However, all information came from what people reported about themselves, which isn’t always perfectly accurate.

What the Results Show

The researchers found clear patterns as obesity levels increased. People with higher levels of obesity were significantly more likely to eat uncontrollably, meaning they felt they couldn’t stop eating even when full. They also ate much faster than people with lower obesity levels and were more likely to skip meals regularly. When it came to food choices, people with higher obesity levels showed less preference for fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. They also participated in sports and structured exercise much less frequently than people with lower obesity levels.

The study also looked at sleep quality and found some differences, though these weren’t as strong as the eating and exercise patterns. People across all obesity levels reported similar sleep issues, suggesting that sleep problems affect people regardless of their weight level.

These findings support what other research has suggested about eating behaviors and obesity, but this study provides more detailed information about how these patterns change across different levels of obesity severity.

Since this was a snapshot study, we can’t know if these habits led to weight gain or if weight gain led to these habits. Also, all information came from questionnaires, so people might not have reported their habits perfectly accurately. The study only included people seeking treatment at one clinic in Italy, so results might not apply to everyone.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, focusing on eating more slowly, maintaining regular meal times, and gradually adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet may be helpful strategies. However, these are just associations, not proven causes, so work with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

People trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight might find these insights useful, but anyone with obesity should work with medical professionals rather than trying to change everything at once on their own.

The study doesn’t tell us how long it takes to change these habits or see benefits, so be patient and focus on small, sustainable changes over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track your eating speed by timing meals and noting whether you feel rushed or relaxed while eating
  • Set reminders for regular meal times and practice putting your fork down between bites to slow down eating
  • Log daily servings of fruits and vegetables alongside meal timing and eating pace to identify patterns over several weeks

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine, especially if you have obesity or other health conditions.