Cognitive Overload and Trait Food Craving as Predictors of Binge-Eating Tendencies in University Students

Binge eating tendencies among university students is linked to academic stress to maladaptive eating patterns. This cross-sectional study examined cognitive overload and trait food craving as predictors of binge eating tendencies among Indian university students (N=253: 73.1% female, aged 18-25) using standardized self-report measures. Trait food craving and binge eating tendencies showed a strong positive correlation (ρ = .578, p < .01) Multiple regression indicated that trait food craving significantly predicted binge eating tendencies (β = .57, p < .001), while cognitive overload emerged as a small negative predictor (β = −.12, p = .023). Moderation analysis established that cognitive overload reduced the craving-binge eating relationship at higher load levels (B = −0.005, p = .019). Findings establish craving management and emotional regulation as major interventions.