Body Dissatisfaction Change Research Articles

Can evaluative pairings of others’ bodies improve body dissatisfaction indirectly? A randomized-controlled online study with adult women

ObjectiveBody dissatisfaction is an important risk factor for developing eating disorders. This study investigated whether pairing images of normatively “healthy” weight bodies of women with positive stimuli, and images of bodies outside the healthy range (e.g., underweight) with neutral stimuli, could improve body dissatisfaction. MethodsWe compared behavioral and rating data from 121 adult women who participated in an online study and were randomly assigned to an intervention condition (in which healthy body mass predicted positive stimuli) or a control condition (with no contingency between body mass and stimulus valence). ResultsBehavioral data showed that women in the intervention condition, compared to the control condition, learned to associate healthy bodies with positive valence. Having learned to associate healthy bodies with positive valence, in turn, predicted reductions in body dissatisfaction. The intervention and control conditions were not directly associated with changes in body dissatisfaction. ConclusionLearning to associate healthy bodies with any positive stimuli could be a relevant mechanism for understanding and predicting improvements in women's body dissatisfaction. Further research is required regarding the impact of contingency learning on the evaluation of other bodies, and the selection of other bodies for body-related social comparison processes.

Longitudinal analysis of body dissatisfaction: the desire to be thinner among women in Japan during low-risk pregnancies.

Body dissatisfaction during pregnancy can significantly impact maternal and child health. Therefore, this longitudinal study investigated changes in body dissatisfaction using two figure rating scales developed from photographic digital data of Japanese pregnant women during the sixth and tenth months of pregnancy. Study participants were recruited at their sixth month prenatal visit at a primary maternity clinic in Japan from October 2014 to March 2015. Body dissatisfaction was estimated based on the perceived and ideal body sizes of 135 pregnant women, expressed as body mass index. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires. The study found that body dissatisfaction in the tenth month was significantly higher than that in the sixth month. Among the participants, 75 (55.6%) and 79 (58.5%) experienced body dissatisfaction, desiring to be thinner (where perceived body size exceeded ideal body size) during the sixth and tenth months of pregnancy, respectively. Pregnant women who had body dissatisfaction and a desire to be thinner in the sixth month tended to experience an increase in body dissatisfaction by the tenth month compared to those without body dissatisfaction in the sixth month. During the sixth and tenth months, women with body dissatisfaction showed significantly larger perceived body sizes than those without body dissatisfaction. These results indicated that the use of a figure rating scale at the sixth month of pregnancy may help identify women with body dissatisfaction; moreover, perceived body size might be a key factor in preventing an increase in body dissatisfaction from the second to third trimesters.

Comorbidity between body dissatisfaction and nicotine vaping among young adults in college: a daily diary study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to elucidate comorbidity between body dissatisfaction and nicotine vaping. Participants: Participants were 121 college students (M age = 20.51 years; 75.0% female; 75.2% White) who participated in a 14-day daily diary study. Methods: Logistic regression was used to test links between baseline trait body dissatisfaction and vaping frequency across 14 days. Multilevel logistic regression was used to test within-person, daily links between body dissatisfaction and nicotine vaping. Results: Each additional unit of trait body dissatisfaction increased the odds of frequent vaping by 33% (95% CI [1.00, 1.77]) and daily vaping by 54% (95% CI [1.10, 2.15]). Within-person, daily associations between body dissatisfaction and vaping were nonsignificant. Conclusions: Body dissatisfaction may increase college students’ risk for engaging in frequent nicotine vaping. However, daily changes in body dissatisfaction may not predict same- or next-day vaping. College students with body dissatisfaction may benefit from nicotine interventions.

Mirror Exposure Training for Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa (MIRADAN): Cognitive Mechanisms of Body Disturbance - A Study Protocol.

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe mental illness, which typically develops in adolescence and, if left untreated, often becomes chronic. Body dissatisfaction is a core characteristic of AN. Mirror exposure (ME) is an effective therapeutic technique to tackle body dissatisfaction in adult patients with eating disorders, but there is limited evidence for the effects of ME in adolescence. One potential mechanism underlying effects of ME on body dissatisfaction is change in body-related attention bias. However, this mechanism remains to be empirically tested. Accordingly, the aim of the current study is twofold: primarily, we aim to test if ME can reduce body dissatisfaction and associated symptoms in adolescent patients with AN. Additionally, we aim to investigate whether change in biased body-related attention due to ME is a possible mechanism of action. Adolescent patients with AN are randomized to either 12 sessions of ME (3 ME-sessions/week) or wait-list within four weeks. Main outcomes include body dissatisfaction and associated symptoms of AN. Moreover, body-related attention bias is assessed at baseline and post-treatment by means of eye-tracking with two paradigms. Further, process variables are collected weekly. In addition, 12 weeks after end of the study, the acceptability of the ME is assessed. The main aim of the study is to evaluate high-frequency and high-intense ME for treating body dissatisfaction in adolescents with AN. In addition, we would like to clarify whether change in attentional bias for body stimuli is a mechanism underlying change in body dissatisfaction due to ME.

The impact of floatation therapy on body image and anxiety in anorexia nervosa: a randomised clinical efficacy trial

Body image disturbance and anxiety are core features of anorexia nervosa (AN), a psychiatric disorder with one of the highest mortality rates. This study examined the efficacy of a novel non-pharmacological treatment, floatation-REST (Reduced Environmental Stimulation Therapy) on body image disturbance and anxiety in inpatients with AN. This parallel group randomised controlled trial compared floatation-REST vs. care as usual in women and girls hospitalised for treatment of AN in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA. Participants were randomised on a 2:1 ratio to receive eight, twice-weekly, 60-min floatation-REST sessions for 4 weeks, in addition to care as usual, or to receive care as usual. The primary outcome was the average change in body dissatisfaction from pre- to post-float as measured by the Photographic FigureRating Scale. The secondary outcome was the average change in anxiety from pre- to post-float as measured by the state version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Longitudinal effects of floatation-REST on body dissatisfaction were also examined. All analyses were conducted using the intention-to-treat principle. Planned linear mixed models tested the effect of floatation-REST vs. care as usual. The trial was preregistered (clinicaltrials.govNCT03610451). Between March 16, 2018 and February 25, 2021, 133 participants were screened for eligibility, and 86 were consented. Eighteen were excluded after consent, for a final randomisation sample of 68 participants (45 floatation-REST; 23 care as usual). There were two session by condition interactions on body dissatisfaction (p=0.00026) and state anxiety (p<0.0001), such that the floatation-REST group exhibited acute (i.e., pre- to post-session) reductions in body dissatisfaction (floatation-REST group mean change (Δm)=-0.43; 95% CI-0.56 to-0.30, p<0.0001, Cohen's d=0.23), and acute reductions in anxiety (floatation-REST group Δm=-15.75; 95% CI-17.95 to-13.56, p<0.0001, Cohen's d=1.52); however, the care as usual group exhibited no significant changes. With regard to longitudinal results, there was a significant time by treatment interaction between baseline and immediately post intervention (p=0.012) and baseline and six-month follow up (p=0.0019). At immediately post intervention, there was a trending reduction in body dissatisfaction for the floatation-REST group (Δm=-0.41, 95% CI-0.86 to 0.03, p=0.068) and care as usual group (Δm=0.61; 95% CI-0.04 to 1.27, p=0.070). At six-months post-intervention, the floatation-REST group exhibited lower body dissatisfaction (Δm=-0.91; 95% CI-1.37 to-0.45, p=0.0020, Cohen's d=0.53) whereas the care as usual group reported no change in body dissatisfaction (Δm=0.35; 95% CI-0.28 to 0.98, p=0.96) relative to baseline. There were no adverse events related to the trial during the study. Our findings suggest that Floatation-REST decreased body dissatisfaction compared to care as usual acutely after each float session and at six-month follow-up. Floatation-REST has potential utility for the treatment of body image disturbance and anxiety in AN. These results may be limited by some generalisability concerns given the recruitment of a modest sample receiving inpatient treatment at a single site. The William K. Warren Foundation.

Enhancing eating disorder recovery: Weight control beliefs predict body dissatisfaction in group cognitive behavioural therapy for body image

Body dissatisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of eating disorder relapse. Yet, a dearth of research exists on factors that facilitate change in body dissatisfaction following treatment focused on symptom interruption. Recent research points to the role of weight control beliefs in predicting outcomes in patients with eating disorders. The primary objective of this research was therefore twofold: 1) To investigate the impact of group cognitive behavioural therapy (GCBT) on weight control beliefs and body dissatisfaction and 2) to examine the influence of weight control beliefs on body dissatisfaction over time. Participants were 50 adults with a recent eating disorder diagnosis who completed 10 sessions of GCBT for body image following GCBT for eating disorders. All participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory and Weight Control Beliefs Questionnaire at baseline and post-treatment. Body dissatisfaction and weight control beliefs improved from pre- to post-treatment. Hierarchical linear regression analyses revealed that increases in lifestyle control beliefs, a subtype of weight control beliefs, predicted decreases in body dissatisfaction. Results underscore the utility of fostering healthy weight control beliefs to cultivate a positive body image in patients navigating the eating disorder recovery process.

Delivering a media literacy intervention for body dissatisfaction using an app-based intervention: A feasibility and pilot trial

Body dissatisfaction rates continue to remain high, and the consequences remain dire, especially among young women. Traditional media literacy interventions have found success in addressing body image-related constructs, though they are limited in their reach and are often quickly outdated. This study was designed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a media literacy intervention via ecological momentary intervention. This pilot study tested a media literacy intervention delivered via a smartphone app designed to disrupt the connection between media use and body dissatisfaction. Thirty-seven undergraduate women (Mage = 21.17; SD = 2.20) received a 15-day media literacy intervention through a smartphone application. The primary outcomes were completion rates, retention rates, percentage of data points lost to technological errors, and participant feedback. The secondary outcome was change in body dissatisfaction. The retention and percentage of data points lost to technological errors, alongside participants' ratings, indicated that this intervention is feasible and acceptable. Several targets were identified to increase participant acceptance and potential efficacy of the intervention. Trait body dissatisfaction decreased, though not significantly, following the intervention. State body image satisfaction improved significantly from the first day to the last day of engagement with the app. Overall, the intervention was deemed feasible and acceptable, opening the door for future research in which the intervention and its delivery system are improved, and its efficacy is reexamined. Future digital media literacy interventions should focus on building a user-centered app, further reducing participant burden, and testing efficacy in large and diverse samples.

Does suppressing weight improve body satisfaction? A longitudinal analysis in undergraduate men and women

Young adults with high body dissatisfaction may engage in disordered eating to reduce their weight, believing that weight loss will improve body satisfaction. Yet, limited research has examined whether suppressing weight contributes to improved body satisfaction in nonclinical samples. Undergraduate students (N = 661; 81.2% female) completed three surveys over a six-month period. Longitudinal mixed-effect models investigated whether weight suppression was associated with change in body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction was higher on average among women, and greater weight suppression was associated with greater body dissatisfaction across genders. Among women, higher baseline weight suppression was related to higher body dissatisfaction across time; however, neither baseline weight suppression nor change in weight suppression were associated with change in body dissatisfaction. Among men, higher baseline weight suppression was related to increased body dissatisfaction over time. However, greater increases in weight suppression were associated with improvements in body dissatisfaction. Thus, the impact of weight suppression on body image outcomes may differ by gender. Findings suggest that when men become more weight suppressed, their body dissatisfaction decreases; however, changes in weight may not impact body dissatisfaction in women. Findings may inform educational programs challenging diet and weight loss myths, particularly for women.

Mapping the abject: Women's embodied experiences of premenstrual body dissatisfaction through body-mapping

Women's body shame and body dissatisfaction increase in the premenstrual phase of the cycle, associated with premenstrual distress. However, the meaning and consequences of premenstrual body dissatisfaction remain underexplored. The aim of this study was to explore how women who report premenstrual body dissatisfaction construct and experience their bodies, using qualitative arts-based methods. Four hundred and sixty women completed online open-ended survey questions and 16 women took part in body-mapping and an interview. Thematic analysis identified three major themes: construction of the premenstrual body as abject, manifested by positioning of the body and self as fat, leaking and dirty; self-policing and self-regulation through increased scrutinising and concealment of the premenstrual body; and resistance of cultural constructions of idealised femininity. These findings emphasise the need to acknowledge changes in body dissatisfaction across the menstrual cycle, and the implication for women's feelings about the self. Internalisation of negative constructions of the female body plays a role in women's experience of premenstrual change and distress. There is a need for further research to examine the role of body management behaviours in premenstrual body dissatisfaction and distress.

Imagery Rescripting for Reducing Body Image Dissatisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundBrief, innovative, mechanistically-driven psychological treatments for body dissatisfaction are needed. We aimed to explore the occurrence of body-related mental images among females reporting a subjective sense of body dissatisfaction (study 1), and to investigate the potential efficacy of a single session of imagery rescripting (ImRS) to reduce body dissatisfaction (Study 2: pilot; Study 3 randomized controlled trial).Methods and ResultsIn study 1 (n = 31), participants reported occurrence of both positive and negative body-related mental imagery. Frequency of body-related mental imagery and negative valence of such images were significantly related to body dissatisfaction. The pilot trial (n = 63) indicated feasibility, whereby ImRS of a distressing body-related mental image significantly reduced the believability, vividness, negative affect and distress of the image within-session and one-week post-session versus an active placebo condition (Expressive writing about body related thoughts and emotions). However, ImRS did not result in significant changes in body dissatisfaction. Study 3 was a randomized controlled trial (n = 113) with 3 conditions—ImRS, Expressive writing, and wait-list control. ImRS resulted in a significant reduction of vividness, controllability and negative affect caused by the image compared to Expressive writing condition, after the intervention. However, there were no significant reductions in body dissatisfaction from baseline to 1-week assessment, nor in post-hoc analyses at the 1-month follow-up. Findings suggest that a single session of imagery rescripting seems to alleviate the negative properties of the image (i.e., has proximal effects as hypothesized in our mechanistic account), but does not bring about a significant change in body dissatisfaction (i.e., transfer downstream to more distal effects).ConclusionsGiven some promising effects of ImRS on negative body-related emotions, but lack of a downstream effect on body dissatisfaction itself, further investigation of the format, dose and focus of ImRS in this context is warranted.

Consumo de bebidas açucaradas e imagem corporal de adolescentes na Pandemia de Covid-19

The social isolation promoted by the COVID-19 pandemic changed the behavior of the population, especially teenagers who, with the closing of schools, started to stay at home. In this context, the consumption of sugary foods and beverages increased, which may lead to changes in the composition and body image of these young people. This study evaluated the consumption of sugary drinks, body image, and nutritional status of adolescents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a quali-quantitative study, which evaluated 62 students from 13 to 18 years old in the city of Canaã-MG. The consumption of sugary drinks (volume and frequency) was investigated using the dietary recall form, the 9-image silhouette scale for body image, and anthropometric parameters for measuring nutritional status. The results show that most students were eutrophic and reported changing their consumption of types of beverages, frequency, and volume consumed. Natural juice and common soft drinks were the most consumed beverages before and during the pandemic. They also reported a high rate of body dissatisfaction due to thinness, which was reduced during the pandemic. The reason for this dissatisfaction was related to health and aesthetics, with girls exhibiting greater changes in body dissatisfaction between the period before and during the pandemic. Anthropometric parameters confirmed the high rate of body dissatisfaction among students, when compared to their classification by nutritional status. It is concluded that during the pandemic, students changed their consumption of beverages and their perception of their body image.

An Ecological Momentary Assessment of Self-improvement and Self-evaluation Body Comparisons: Associations with College Women’s Body Dissatisfaction and Exercise

Upward body comparisons are prevalent among college women and associated with body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. However, less is known about distinguishing features of the comparisons themselves as they occur in daily life. The primary purpose of the present study was to examine whether two types of upward body comparisons previously studied experimentally (self-improvement and self-evaluation) are differentially associated with body- and exercise-related outcomes in real-life settings using ecological momentary assessment (EMA). Undergraduate women (N = 74) between 18-25 years (Mage = 20.4, SD = 1.63) completed five surveys on smartphones daily for seven days. EMA measures assessed body comparisons, body dissatisfaction, and exercise cognitions and behaviors. Baseline body dissatisfaction, comparison tendency, and exercise behavior were examined as moderators. Multilevel analyses revealed that both self-improvement and self-evaluation were associated with greater exercise thoughts (ps < .05), but not with changes in body dissatisfaction (ps> .05). Moderator analyses revealed differences between the two types and their associations with outcomes for select subgroups. For example, self-improvement comparisons were associated with fewer exercise thoughts among participants with high baseline exercise behaviors (p < .01). Further research is needed to understand the differences between self-improvement and self-evaluation and the potential protective mechanisms of self-improvement.

Do momentary changes in body dissatisfaction predict binge eating episodes? An ecological momentary assessment study.

Do momentary changes in body dissatisfaction predict binge eating episodes? An ecological momentary assessment study.

Experimental manipulation of visual attention affects body size adaptation but not body dissatisfaction.

Prolonged exposure to large/small bodies causes aftereffects in perceived body size. Outside the laboratory, individuals repeatedly exposed to small (large) bodies tend to over- (under-) estimate their size and exhibit increased (decreased) body dissatisfaction. Why, among individuals exposed to approximately equivalent distributions of body sizes, only some develop body size and shape misperception and/or body dissatisfaction is not yet fully understood. We exposed 61 women to high and low adiposity bodies simultaneously, instructing half to attend to high, and half to low adiposity bodies. Participants in the high adiposity attention condition's perception of "normal" body size significantly increased in adiposity, and vice versa. This suggests that visual attention moderates body size aftereffects. Interventions encouraging visual attention to more realistic ranges of bodies may therefore reduce body misperception. No change in body dissatisfaction was found, suggesting that changes in the perceptual component (misperception) may not necessarily affect the attitudinal component (dissatisfaction) of body image distortion.

Effects of induced rumination on body dissatisfaction: Is there any difference between men and women?

Background and objectivesRumination is a factor in the development and maintenance of body dissatisfaction. However, no study has yet investigated the impact of the type of rumination on body image. The first aim of this study was to examine whether the induction of analytic-abstract vs. concrete-experiential rumination affects body dissatisfaction following an induction of negative body image. The second objective was to examine gender differences in these effects. MethodsFollowing induction of negative body image, 102 university undergraduates were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions—distraction, concrete rumination or abstract rumination. ResultsAs expected, there were significant main effects of gender and condition, and a significant interaction between gender and condition on change in body dissatisfaction. In women abstract rumination predicted the highest increase in body dissatisfaction, whereas concrete rumination predicted the highest increase in body dissatisfaction in men. LimitationsGiven that our sample consisted of undergraduate students, our findings cannot be generalized to clinical sample suffering from eating disorder. ConclusionsThe different types of rumination seem to impact differentially body dissatisfaction in men and women.

BMI and disordered eating in urban, African American, adolescent girls: The mediating role of body dissatisfaction

ObjectiveThis study examined the mediating role of body dissatisfaction between Body Mass Index (BMI) and subsequent disordered eating (e.g. dieting and restricting/purging) among early adolescent African American girls. Study designParticipants included 701 African American girls in 6th and 7th grades in urban schools serving low-income communities, mean age 12.15 (SD = 0.72) years. Participants were assessed at baseline and approximately 6 months later. Objectively measured height and weight were used to calculate BMI z-score. Participants completed questionnaires on body size dissatisfaction and recent dieting and restricting/purging behaviors. ResultsAt baseline, 51.5% of participants were overweight/obese, and 60.4% expressed body dissatisfaction and a desire to be smaller. Path analytic analyses revealed change in body dissatisfaction significantly mediates the relation between initial BMI z-score and increases in dieting behaviors (B = 0.924, SE = 0.280, p = 0.001) but not restricting/purging behaviors (p = 0.05). ConclusionsBody dissatisfaction explains some associations between excess body weight and subsequent disordered eating symptoms among early adolescent, African American girls. Body dissatisfaction, identified by screening, may be an indicator of further negative consequences, including disordered eating behaviors.

身体欣赏缓解女性身体不满意

以60名高水平和低水平身体欣赏女性为被试，以“瘦理想”图片为实验材料，对被试进行媒体曝光(观看“瘦理想”图片)，旨在探讨瘦理想图片对高、低身体欣赏水平女性身体满意度的影响。结果发现，观看“瘦理想”图片后，女性身体欣赏水平能预测其身体满意度的变化，进行媒体曝光对不同身体欣赏水平女性身体满意度的影响不同，即身体欣赏低分组身体满意度显著降低，而身体欣赏高分组身体满意度没有显著变化。以上结果表明，媒体曝光后，身体欣赏缓解女性的身体不满意。 We selected 60 female college students, who are high-level and low-level body appreciation. We used thin idealized picture to media exposure. The present study aimed at exploring the influence of thin idealized picture on body dissatisfaction between high-level and low-level body appreciation groups. Results indicated that body appreciation predicted change in body dissatisfaction following exposure to the thin ideal. The impact of media exposure on different groups is different, and the body satisfaction was significantly reduced in low-level group, while the body satisfaction did not significantly change in high-level group. The results support the notion that body appreciation protects women from thin idealized media exposure.

Weight, shape, and muscularity concerns in male and female adolescents: Predictors of change and influences on eating concern

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of age and weight status on adolescents' body dissatisfaction and its change over 20 months in a gender-comparing design. The influence of body image concern on eating concern was also investigated. In a prospective study, 675 male and female adolescents aged 12-16 were assessed using self-report questionnaires on weight, shape, muscularity, and eating concerns. Height and weight measurements were taken by trained personnel. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Analyses of latent means revealed more pronounced weight/shape concern in females than males and more pronounced muscularity concern in males than females. Weight/shape concern increased in females over time, whereas muscularity concern remained stable in both genders. Baseline levels of weight/shape concern could be predicted by age and weight status in females and by weight status in males. The only predictor of change in weight/shape concern was weight status in males. Baseline levels of muscularity concern could be predicted by age in females and by weight status in males. Similar effects were found for changes in muscularity concern in both genders. Increases in weight/shape and muscularity concern were associated with more pronounced eating concern. The results confirm gender differences in distinctive facets of body image concern and its prediction. The relevance of increase in body image concern in adolescents is underlined by its association with eating concern in both genders. Further explanatory variables for change in body dissatisfaction should be examined in future studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:139-147).

Body dissatisfaction in women’s artistic gymnastics: A longitudinal study of psychosocial indicators

ABSTRACTBody dissatisfaction is prevalent in women’s artistic gymnastics (WAG). Cross-sectional research points to social and individual risk factors, however it does not account for potential changes in body dissatisfaction during an athletic season. This study aimed to determine how gymnasts’ body dissatisfaction, risk factors for eating disorders, media internalisation, perfectionism and mood state change during pre-competition, competition and post-competition seasons and to identify how these psychosocial indicators impact on body dissatisfaction during the athletic year. The sample consisted of 20 Brazilian elite women’s artistic gymnasts aged 10–16 years. Data were obtained from a 9-month study using: Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ); Eating Attitude Test-26; Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3); Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale (MPS); Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and triceps and subscapular skinfolds. Body dissatisfaction was higher during the competition season and disordered eating, perfectionism and vigour values were higher in the pre-competition season. Disordered eating has been found as the strongest predictor of body dissatisfaction during all seasons, and mood state partly contributed to body dissatisfaction in the competitive season. Stakeholders should understand that body dissatisfaction and the prevalence of disordered eating may change over time.

The relationship of perfectionism with changes in body dissatisfaction in eating disorders treatment outcome

IntroductionBody dissatisfaction is one of the core psychopathological components in Eating Disorders (EDs) and it tends to persist over time regardless treatment interventions. Perfectionism is considered as a mediator and moderator between body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.ObjectivesTo study the influence of Perfectionism in EDs outcome.AimsTo analyze changes in body dissatisfaction at one year follow-up in patients with eating disorders and the effect of perfectionism over these changes.MethodsParticipants were 151 patients with eating disorders. DSM-IVTR diagnoses were as follows: 44 (29.1%) Anorexia Nervosa (AN), 55 (36.4%) Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and 52 (34.4%) Eating Disorders no Otherwise Specified (EDNOS). Perfectionism was assessed with the Edinburg Investigatory Test (EDI-2). The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) was also distributed. One year after the beginning of their treatment, patients were reassessed.ResultsPatients with BN showed significantly higher scores on BSQ than those with AN. There was a significant improvement in BSQ after one year of treatment regardless the diagnostic (repeated measures ANOVA: F 8.4, P&lt;.01). Perfectionism was a co-variable that influenced in those changes.ConclusionsThe results confirm the interaction between perfectionism and body dissatisfaction in the treatment outcome of EDs. It has been described an interplay between Perfectionism, body dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes and behaviours, being Perfectionism a moderator factor. The results highlight the need of dealing not only with the core symptoms of EDs, but also with the moderator factors such as Perfectionism to enhance the outcome.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.