Association between internet addiction and risk of eating disorder among Bangladeshi young adults: a cross-sectional survey

Internet addiction (IA) and the Risk of Eating Disorder (RED) are emerging public health concerns, particularly among young adults. This study examined the association between internet addiction and eating disorder risk among Bangladeshi young adults. A cross-sectional survey of 566 participants aged 18–35 years was conducted using validated screening instruments, including the Internet Addiction Test (IAT-20) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Multivariable binary logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between internet addiction and eating disorder risk. The prevalence of eating disorder risk among participants was 23.61%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that participants identified as internet-addicted had more than twice the odds of reporting disordered eating behaviors compared to their counterparts (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.29–3.36, p = 0.003). Living in urban areas, having a clinical history of mental health problems, and obesity were also significantly associated with a higher risk of disordered eating. The findings indicate a significant association between internet addiction and disordered eating risk among Bangladeshi young adults. These results underscore the importance of integrated public health strategies that address problematic internet use, mental health, and healthy lifestyle behaviors in this population. • Internet addiction was significantly associated with eating disorder among Bangladeshi young adults. • Young adults with internet addiction had twice the odds of eating disorder risk. • Urban residence, mental health history, and obesity were significantly associated with eating disorder. • Findings support integrated digital, mental health, and lifestyle interventions.