Assessment of the Association Between Internet Addiction, e-healthy Diet Literacy, and Body Mass Index Among Adults Aged 18–65 Years Attending a University Hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the association between internet addiction, e-healthy diet literacy (e-HDL), and body mass index (BMI) in adults aged 18–65 years.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 378 patients attending a university hospital Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS), and the e-Healthy Diet Literacy Questionnaire (e-HDLQ). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS 22.0.
RESULTS: Participants were 52.9% female and 47.1% male, with a mean age of 35.4 ± 12.2 years. BMI was positively correlated with age (r=0.410; p<0.001). No significant association was found between IAS scores and BMI (p=0.180). e-HDLQ scores were significantly higher in overweight individuals than in obese individuals (p=0.004). Participants who consumed snacks and main meals while using technological devices had significantly higher IAS scores (p<0.001). Snack consumption during device use was most frequent in the overweight group (p=0.001).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Internet addiction was not directly associated with BMI; however, digital behaviours were linked to eating patterns and screen-based meal consumption. Enhancing e-healthy diet literacy and promoting balanced digital habits may support healthier weight management.

Keywords: Internet, internet addiction, healthy nutrition, nutrition literacy, body mass index.