The Mediating Role Of Uncontrolled Eating In Linking Exercise And Physical Fitness

Abstract

This study examines mediating role of uncontrolled eating in relationship between physical exercise and physical fitness among the college students in the southern districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Physical exercise is widely recognized for its positive impact on physical fitness, encompassing the muscular strength, health & body composition. Still, potential impact of eating behaviors, mainly uncontrolled eating, remains less understood in this context. Uncontrolled eating, categorized by irregular eating patterns, emotional eating, and binge eating, may counteract the benefits of regular physical exercise by leading to poor body composition, weight gain, and reduced overall fitness levels. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from college students through structured questionnaire that assessed their levels of physical exercise, physical fitness, and eating behaviors. The statistical procedures were employed to examine direct and indirect relationships between physical exercise, uncontrolled eating and physical fitness. The results reveal significant direct positive effect of physical exercise on physical fitness and significant mediation outcomes that offer certain recommendations for further studies.