Night eating syndrome and delay discounting

Aim The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of night eating syndrome and its correlates with behavioral impulsivity measured by delay discounting. Subjects and methods Three hundred five individuals from the general population were examined. All participants completed the delay discounting task with pairs of hypothetical choices and the Night Eating Questionnaire. Additionally, body mass index was objectively assessed. Results Prevalence of night eating syndrome was 6.6% in the current sample. Overall scores for the Night Eating Questionnaire showed significant association with greater delay discounting as well as elevated body mass index. Conclusion Night eating syndrome is a problematic eating disorder, which is prevalent in young adults. Behavioral impulsivity might be of significance for night eating psychopathology.