Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between smartphone screen time, eating disorder tendencies, and self-esteem in obese and normal-weight individuals, and to evaluate potential correlation patterns among these variables.
Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted with 130 participants (64 obese, 66 normal-weight) at Dokuz Eylül University Obesity and Healthy Life Outpatient Clinic. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, daily smartphone screen time was recorded from device settings, and participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q-13) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses.
Results: Obese individuals demonstrated significantly higher daily smartphone screen time (6.4 ± 1.8 vs. 5.5 ± 1.5 h; p = 0.019) and greater eating disorder symptoms, including higher total EDE-Q-13 scores (24.3 ± 6.9 vs. 18.7 ± 5.8; p < 0.001), body dissatisfaction, and weight/shape concerns. No significant differences in self-esteem were observed between groups (p = 0.478). Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between body mass index (BMI) and body dissatisfaction (r = 0.537, p < 0.001) and between smartphone screen time and body dissatisfaction (r = 0.203, p = 0.021). Self-esteem was negatively correlated with body dissatisfaction (r = - 0.244, p = 0.006) and binge eating (r = - 0.229, p = 0.010), but not with smartphone screen time (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Obese individuals exhibited higher smartphone screen time and more pronounced eating disorder-related tendencies, particularly body dissatisfaction and weight concerns, compared to normal-weight individuals. However, self-esteem levels did not differ significantly between groups, suggesting that cultural and psychosocial factors may buffer self-esteem despite obesity. These findings highlight the importance of addressing digital media use and eating behaviors in obesity management and prevention strategies.
Keywords: Body dissatisfaction; Eating disorders; Obesity; Self-esteem; Smartphone screen time.
Obesity is a common health condition that isinfluenced by both lifestyle habits and psychological factors. Smartphone use has increasedrapidly in daily life and may affect eating behaviors and how people feel about their bodies. Inthis study, we compared obese and normal-weight adults in Turkey to explore relationshipsbetween smartphone screen time, eating-related problems, and self-esteem. We found thatobese adults spent more time using smartphones and reported more dissatisfaction with theirbodies and greater concern about their weight and shape. However, behaviors such as bingeeating or purging were not more common in obese participants. Self-esteem levels were similar in obese and normal-weight adults. Higher smartphone screen time was weakly linked to greater body dissatisfaction but was not related to self-esteem. These findings suggest that, in adults, obesity is more strongly associated with negative body image than with severe eating disorder behaviors. Considering body image and smartphone use may be important in obesity care and prevention.
© 2026. The Author(s).