Evaluation of the reliability and internal consistency of the child eating behavior questionnaire (CEBQ) in spanish schoolchildren and its association with obesity

Abstract

This study evaluated the reliability and internal consistency of the Spanish version of the Children’s Eating Behavior Questionnaire (CEBQ) in 283 schoolchildren aged 6–16 years. Although previously validated in Spanish for preschoolers, this is the first validation in older children. Factor analysis confirmed the original eight-subscale structure with adequate reliability. Gender showed minimal influence on eating behavior, while age was associated with faster eating and less food fussiness. Linear regression showed positive correlations between BMI Z-scores and pro-eating traits (e.g., food responsiveness), and negative correlations with anti-eating traits (e.g., satiety responsiveness), except for emotional undereating. The CEBQ proved to be a valid tool for assessing eating behaviors related to nutritional status in Spanish school-age populations.