The Impact of Eating Frequency on Facial Measurements and Aggressive Behavior in Adolescents

Objectives: Picky or fussy eating is a common issue in adolescents, often leading to malnutrition and, in some cases, polyphagia. Facial anthropometry serves as a valuable tool to assess physiological processes and behavioral variations in children. However, no prior study has examined the correlation between eating frequency (EF) and facial anthropometric parameters. Material and Methods: This study investigated the relationship between eating habits, facial measurements, and aggression, along with hormonal parameters, in adolescents aged 11–14 years from West Bengal, India. Participants were divided into control and experimental groups. Facial anthropometry was assessed using Farkas landmarks, aggression was measured with the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and serum cortisol, testosterone, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Findings revealed that higher EF positively influenced the vertex-to-tragus distance and ear inclination angle. Conversely, low EF was associated with increased anger and hostility, elevated serum BDNF, and reduced testosterone levels. Cortisol appeared to increase EF, likely through stress-induced mechanisms. Conclusion: This study highlights the novel association between EF, aggression, and facial anthropometry in adolescents. The findings provide insights for managing adolescent eating behavior and aggression through the integration of physiological and behavioral parameters.