Prevention of Eating Disorders among Adolescents

Abstract

Since eating disorders frequently begin during adolescence, high school students represent a high risk population for the development of these disorders. For this reason, a pilot project for the prevention of eating disorders was instituted at the high school level. The primary goal of this pilot project was to educate students, faculty, and staff at the school about the incidence, symptoms, and consequences of eating disorders. Consultation and referral services were also provided. An evaluation component of the project assessed the informational impact of the prevention program on the students. On a questionnaire designed for the project, a significantly greater number of questions about eating disorders were answered correctly by students who were recipients of the prevention program than by those who were not. The results of this project demonstrate the feasibility of using the high school setting to promote increased awareness of eating disorders and their consequences among high school students.

A national study of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 6–12 y-old Swiss children: body mass index, body-weight perceptions and goals

“…Obesity in children and adolescents is associated with the development of unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping meals and hypocaloric dieting (Steen et al, 1988). Inappropriate weight perceptions and eating disorders are common in adolescence (Feldman et al, 1988;CDC, 1991) and overemphasis on thinness during adolescence increases risk of developing eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa (Shisslak et al, 1990;APA, 1996).…”

Eating Disorders Examination versus Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire in adolescents with full and partial-syndrome bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa

“…of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association [APA], 1994). Indeed, partial-syndrome eating disorders are two to five times more common than diagnosable eating disorders in adolescent females (Dancyger & Garfinkel, 1995;Johnson-Sabine, Wood, Patton, Mann, & Wakeling, 1988), affecting 4%-16% of the population (Killen et al, 1994;Shisslak, Crago, & Neal, 1987). This discontinuity may reflect the fact that BN is a disorder in evolution.…”

An attempt to modify unhealthful eating attitudes and weight regulation practices of young adolescent girls

“…Our society values attractiveness, and thinness in particular, thereby making obesity a highly stigmatized condition and one to be avoided (Striegel-Moore, Silberstein, & Rodin, 1986;Garner & Garfinkel, 1980). Family and friends may model and reinforce these attitudes (Pike and Rodin, 1991;Shisslak et al, 1987). Adolescents may adopt a number of weight regulation practices in an attempt to remain or become thin.…”