Understanding the feasibility of integrating the eating disorders and obesity fields: the beyond obesity and disordered eating in youth (BODY) Study.

Abstract

Attention has been devoted to exploring ways to integrate the eating disorders (ED) and obesity (OB) prevention fields. Although research has revealed considerable overlap between the risk factors for ED and those for OB, collaboration between the two fields remains strained. Existing position papers focus mainly on discussions about the lack of collaboration and whether or not the two fields should merge their prevention efforts. However, no empirical study has yet addressed these questions. The beyond obesity and disordered eating in youth (BODY) Study is a qualitative study that sheds light on the relationship between the ED and OB fields. Using part of the BODY Study data and findings, this paper aims to further explore the costs and benefits of ED and OB collaboration/integration. Four models, or scenarios, proposed by Neumark-Sztainer to describe the interaction between the ED and OB prevention fields are used as a framework to guide the BODY Study findings' discussion. Based on grounded theory methodology, the BODY Study used in-depth interviews and focus groups as data collection methods. A total of 61 participants took part in the study: 35 researchers/practitioners who work in either ED or OB; and 26 youths (aged 16-26 who attended six focus groups and 12 in-depth interviews). Selected BODY Study themes, relevant to better understanding the four scenarios proposed by Neumark-Sztainer, presented in this paper are: (a) Two camps: understanding the relationship between the ED and OB fields; (b) Consequences for professionals and youths of the existence of two camps; (c) Root causes of the perceived tension: ideology and philosophy, power and knowledge, and gender. Findings from this study mirror existing theoretical papers that look at the relationship between the two fields-including Neumark-Sztainer's scenarios. At the same time, this empirical work further discusses the costs of a possible integration that, even if desirable, does not take into account the root causes of the tension between the two fields (e.g., power imbalance, gender neutrality).