THURS-033 - Intuitive Eating Is Associated with Positive Indicators of Physical and Mental Health Among Rural Adults

Brief Abstract Summary: Participants visiting my poster will learn about the results of a cross-sectional study that found intuitive eating, a non-diet approach, to be associated with positive indicators of physical and mental health among rural adults in the U.S. Background information about the study emphasizes the significant health disparities faced by rural populations, particularly in chronic health conditions and mental health, due to a combination of individual, socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors. Participants will learn about how rural populations have historically been underrepresented in intuitive eating research, with this being the first study to specifically explore intuitive eating among rural adults in the U.S. Participants will gain insights into the study's implications for professional practice, recognizing how intuitive eating may be a valuable strategy for improving both physical and mental well-being in this often-underserved population, thereby fostering health equity.

Detailed abstract description: Nearly 46 million people, about 14% of the U.S. population, live in rural areas. Compared to urban residents, they face higher rates of premature, preventable deaths from cancer, heart disease, and stroke. They also experience significant mental health disparities, with mental health recently ranked as a top health concern. Overweight, obesity, and nutrition have also emerged as key health priorities. Addressing these concerns requires innovative approaches that prioritize both physical and mental well-being. One such approach is intuitive eating, a non-dieting method developed by clinicians to challenge traditional weight loss strategies focused on calorie restriction. A growing body of evidence shows that intuitive eating positively impacts mental health outcomes, including higher self-esteem and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. However, the association between intuitive eating and health outcomes in rural populations remains underexplored. To date, only one study, conducted in Australia, has specifically investigated intuitive eating in a rural population. This highlights a significant gap in the literature, particularly in understanding how intuitive eating might impact rural communities in other regions.

This study investigated the relationship between intuitive eating practices and physical and mental health outcomes among rural adults in the U.S, highlighting the potential benefits of intuitive eating for this underrepresented population, and broader implications for health equity. This cross-sectional study surveyed 187 rural adults living in New Jersey, assessing their intuitive eating behaviors using the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), alongside self-reported measures of physical health (BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol) and mental health (perceived stress levels, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem). The results revealed significant associations between higher intuitive eating scores and mental health outcomes, such as reduced anxiety/depression symptoms, lower perceived stress, and increased self-esteem. Moreover, intuitive eating was negatively associated with body mass index (BMI).

The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of how intuitive eating may serve as a potentially sustainable health-promoting strategy for rural populations. Health professionals should consider integrating intuitive eating principles into their interventions to promote healthier habits and reduce the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic conditions like obesity and overweight in rural areas. This presentation offers insights into how public health practitioners can implement non-diet interventions to support vulnerable populations and help mitigate health disparities.