Eating Disorder Prevention Program Research Articles

Eating disorder psychopathology and negative affect in Iranian college students: a network analysis

BackgroundED psychopathology is becoming more prevalent in Iran. Negative affect has been found to be an important risk factor in eating disorder (ED) onset in research conducted in Western countries, and is also emerging as a potential vulnerability factor to ED psychopathology in Iran. Network theory offers a novel framework to understand the association between negative affect and ED psychopathology in Iran. The primary aim of the current study was to use network analysis to identify bridge symptoms (i.e., symptoms that activate or weaken symptoms in another cluster) across a negative affect and ED psychopathology network among Iranian college students. We also aimed to identify core symptoms (i.e., nodes that demonstrate the strongest connections to other nodes).MethodParticipants were Iranian college students (n = 637; 60.3% women) who completed the Farsi-eating disorder examination-questionnaire and Farsi-negative affect. We estimated a network of ED symptoms and negative affective states and identified bridge and central symptoms.ResultsHostility and shame emerged as central bridge symptoms across the negative affect and ED psychopathology clusters. The most central nodes were strong desire to lose weight, definite fear of losing control over eating, and binge eating episodes.ConclusionThe negative affective states of hostility and shame may increase vulnerability to ED psychopathology among Iranian college students. Findings have important implications for ED prevention programs that should be examined in future research.

An Examination of a Cognitive Dissonance Body Image and Health Intervention for the College Classroom

Creating a positive college environment regarding body image concerns is warranted given their strong association with eating disorders (EDs) and the alarming rates of EDs on college campuses. There is also a growing need to universally diversify ED prevention programs and enhance selective prevention recruitment initiatives. This study included 132 undergraduate students in a universal and mixed-gendered setting (i.e., classrooms). Participants in the intervention condition received a single session of an adapted cognitive dissonance-based intervention aimed at reducing ED risk factors. The control condition included participants who received a general classroom lecture. Women and men in the two conditions were compared at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up timepoints on appearance-ideal internalization (thin-ideal and muscular-ideal), body image satisfaction, and behavioral intention to enroll in a selective ED prevention program, known as The Body Project (BP). Using mixed-effects modeling, results showed that women in the intervention condition significantly lowered muscular-ideal internalization scores at follow-up when compared to the control condition. There were no significant differences across all other variables, which suggests that the single session universal intervention was not effective in reducing body image dissatisfaction or triaging participants into The BP. Implications include further exploration of muscular-ideal internalization in ED development for women and the examination of other underlying dimensions of body image, such as internalized weight stigma and body functionality. Mixed-gendered settings might also benefit from cultivating conversations regarding the social injustices of beauty standards. These adjustments may help enhance the levels of cognitive dissonance experienced by participants.

Does body appreciation predict decreases in eating pathology via intuitive eating? A longitudinal mediation analysis

Evidence suggests that body appreciation may be a protective factor for eating pathology. However, potential explanatory mechanisms for this association are unclear, as longitudinal studies testing mediational pathways are missing. This longitudinal study tested whether intuitive eating mediates the association between body appreciation and eating pathology. Data were analyzed from 3039 women recruited from an educational platform about disordered eating, many of whom exhibited elevated symptomatology. Measures were administered at baseline (T1), four-month (T2) and eight-month (T3) follow-up. Path analyses were computed to test hypothesized indirect effects. Direct paths from T1 body appreciation to T2 intuitive eating (total and subscale scores) and T3 eating pathology/binge eating were observed. However, only one significant indirect effect emerged: higher T1 body appreciation scores predicted greater decreases in T3 eating pathology and binge eating via its effect on increasing T2 Unconditional Permission to Eat (UPE) subscale scores. Findings suggest that the features of the UPE construct (e.g., eating foods that are desired in a given moment, refusal to dichotomize foods as “good” or “bad,” etc.) may be important mechanisms explaining how and why body appreciation protects against eating pathology. Efforts should be made to enhance body appreciation and intuitive eating in eating disorder prevention programs.

Internet-delivered eating disorders prevention program for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes: Acceptable and feasible.

Adolescents with type 1 diabetes are at significantly increased risk for eating disorders and few interventions exist. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an internet-based eating disorders prevention program adapted specifically for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes. Thirty-five girls (16.2 ± 1.1 years) participated Body Project (T1D Style), a 4-week program consisting of four adolescent sessions focused on promoting illness acceptance, challenging sociocultural body image pressures, increasing social support, and teaching assertive communication. Caregivers participated in one session focused on fostering body image positivity and a healthy relationship with food. Pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up surveys assessed disordered eating, body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalization, diabetes acceptance, diabetes distress, and quality of life. Cohen's d effect sizes were calculated at post-intervention and follow-up. Program acceptability was assessed at post-intervention. Manual fidelity and homework completion were monitored. High manual fidelity, retention, and homework completion were achieved. Quantitative and qualitative feedback from teens and caregivers suggested high acceptability. Large effects (d=1.35-0.83) were observed for dieting, body dissatisfaction, diabetes distress, diabetes acceptance, and diabetes-related quality of life at post-intervention, with large-medium effects (d=1.16-0.58) at follow-up. Medium-small effects (d=0.49-0.78) at post-intervention were observed for diabetes-specific disordered eating and thin-ideal internalization, with effects maintained at follow-up. Results support the acceptability and feasibility of this targeted eating disorders prevention program for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes. Future clinical trials are warranted to determine its effectiveness compared to a control condition.

Developmental trajectories of eating disorder symptoms: A longitudinal study from early adolescence to young adulthood

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical period for the development of eating disorders, but data is lacking on the heterogeneity of their evolution during that time-period. Group-based trajectories can be used to understand how eating disorders emerge and evolve over time. The aim of this study was to identify groups of individuals with distinct levels of eating disorder symptoms between 12 and 20 years and the onset of different types of symptoms. We also studied sex differences in the evolution and course of eating disorder symptoms from early adolescence to adulthood.MethodsUsing archival data from the QLSCD cohort, trajectories of eating disorder symptomatology were estimated from ages 12 to 20 years using semiparametric models. These trajectories included overall eating disorder symptomatology as measured by the SCOFF (Sick, Control, One Stone, Fat, Food), sex, and symptom-specific trajectories.ResultsTwo groups of adolescents following distinct trajectories of eating disorder symptoms were identified. The first trajectory group included 30.9% of youth with sharply rising levels between 12 and 15 years, followed by high levels of symptoms between 15 and 20 years. The second trajectory group included 69.1% of youth with low and stable levels of symptoms between 12 and 20 years. Sex-specific models indicated that the proportion of girls in the high trajectory group was 1.3 times higher than the proportion of boys (42.8% girls vs. 32.3% boys). Trajectories of SCOFF items were similar for loss-of-control eating, feeling overweight, and attributing importance to food. The weight loss item had a different developmental pattern, increasing between 12 and 15 years and then decreasing between 17 and 20 years.ConclusionsThe largest increase in eating disorder symptoms in adolescence is between the ages of 12 and 15 . Yet, most prevention programs start after 15 years of age. Our findings suggest that, unlike common practices, eating disorder prevention programs should aim to start before puberty.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Guided Self-Help, Text-Messaging Intervention to Promote Positive Body Image of Emerging Adult Women.

The predominant approach of existing eating disorder prevention programs targets risk factors for development; furthermore, burgeoning evidence suggests that promotion of protective factors against eating disorders (e.g., positive body image) is also a worthy avenue for prevention efforts. The present study considered existing literature gaps in the design of an 8-week guided self-help intervention meant to address the risk for disordered eating through the improvement of positive body image and enhancement of current adaptive functioning. The intervention incorporated elements of weight-inclusive health promotion (e.g., Health at Every Size; HAES) alongside positive psychology and third-wave behavioral interventions [e.g., self-compassion, mindful eating, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)] to promote engagement in mindful-self-care. This mixed-methods study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of the text-messaging based intervention in a diverse sample of cisgender college women (N = 30; 30% Black; 30% bisexual) at risk for disordered eating. Results indicated a high level of engagement and satisfaction with the intervention. Proof of concept was preliminarily supported by the observed significant changes in variables of interest (i.e., body appreciation, positive embodiment, mindful self-care, intuitive eating, self-compassion, disordered eating, and body image dissatisfaction) across the intervention. Overall, results of this study suggest that the use of a guided self-help program based in technology which seeks to reduce risk factors for disordered eating while also supporting adaptive functioning may be indicated for emerging adult women. This article will discuss how the present study provides the groundwork for continued development of innovative and remotely accessible interventions which promote positive body image.

Adapting a Cognitive Dissonance-based Eating Disorders Prevention Program for Adolescent Girls with Type 1 Diabetes

ABSTRACT Adolescent girls with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at high risk for developing eating disorders (EDs), a comorbidity that undermines treatment adherence and contributes to serious medical complications. Despite these concerns, no teen prevention programs exist that address risk factors specific to T1D. This study aimed to adapt an existing, empirically supported cognitive dissonance-based ED prevention program (Body Project) for teen girls with T1D. Young women with T1D, parents, and multidisciplinary medical professionals participated in semi-structured focus groups and individual interviews centered on understanding T1D-specific factors that influence body image development and eating and gathering suggestions for modifying the program to address T1D-specific factors. Multiple themes were identified related to complicating factors: diabetes stereotypes and misinformation, illness non-acceptance, demands of T1D management, adolescent-doctor relations, and family factors. Three themes related to protective factors also emerged: illness acceptance, validation and normalization of experiences, and family factors. Stakeholder feedback on program structure was also gathered. The adapted manual protocol is described in detail in addition to how findings extend current theoretical models of ED development in young women with T1D. The adapted ED prevention program, Body Project (T1D Style), centers on promoting illness acceptance, encouraging self-affirmation, teaching effective communication skills, and enhancing social support in addition to the original program’s focus on challenging and resisting sociocultural appearance pressures.

Recruitment, adherence and attrition challenges in internet-based indicated prevention programs for eating disorders: lessons learned from a randomised controlled trial of ProYouth OZ

BackgroundGrowing evidence supports the effectiveness of Internet-based prevention programs for eating disorders, but the adjunctive benefit of synchronous peer support has yet to be investigated. In the current study, a randomised controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of an indicated Internet-based prevention program (ProYouth OZ) with and without peer-to-peer support in reducing disordered eating behaviours and attitudes.MethodFifty young adults (18–25 years) with eating disorder symptoms were randomised to one of three study conditions: (1) ProYouth OZ (without peer-to-peer support), (2) ProYouth OZ Peers (with peer-to-peer support), and (3) a waitlist control group. Outcomes were assessed at three different time points. Eating disorder symptoms (primary outcome) were measured with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire.ResultsOf 415 screened participants, 73 (17.6%) were eligible and 213 (51.3%) excluded due to severe eating disorder symptoms. Fifteen participants (30%) completed the post-intervention survey. Of the two intervention groups, 20.6% failed to access any component of the program. Of 17 ProYouth OZ Peers participants, 58.8% attended at least one chat session, 20% attended 2–5 sessions, and 11.8% attended all six sessions. Due to limited outcome data, it was not possible to statistically examine between-group differences in outcomes. Visual inspection of individual profiles revealed that both ProYouth OZ Peers participants who completed the post-intervention survey showed a decrease in disordered eating compared with only one of the six completers in ProYouth OZ.ConclusionFindings highlight the challenges of trialling Internet-based eating disorder prevention programs in the community. The study identified a large group of emerging adults with eating disorders who were interested in an Internet-based program, suggesting a high level of unmet need. Future research on synchronous peer-to-peer support in Internet-based prevention for eating disorders is warranted. Further studies are required to identify optimal strategies for reaching this population (e.g., online vs. offline) and evaluating the effectiveness of a range of strategies for promoting engagement. Finally, there is an urgent need to develop innovative widely accessible interventions for individuals who experience clinically relevant eating disorder symptomatology but may not be ready or able to seek professional face-to-face treatment.Trial registration: ACTRN12615001250527, Registered 16 November 2015, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12615001250527

Self-esteem, self-image, and school bullying in eating disorders

Body dissatisfaction (BD) is considered one of the most important risk factors for the development of an eating disorder (ED), and low self-esteem a confirmed psychological trait of vulnerability. People with ED or related characteristics suffer more often (two to three times more) from bullying or teasing related to appearance. Special mention should be made of participants in intimidation and harassment behaviors, both as victims or perpetrators, who are at greater risk of developing food symptoms. The results are homogeneous when the control group is made up of the general population and more contradictory with psychiatric control groups. It is also necessary to study cyberbullying because of its relevance. Teasing interventions do not appear to be a priority in ED prevention programs, although EAT-IV results support the importance of targeting weight-related ridicule in education and health initiatives, and of including the family environment as a target in anti-bullying interventions, especially in girls. It will be necessary to consider different models of preventive intervention depending on their gender. In both sexes, personal and socio-family education interventions would be appropriate to expand a more flexible body aesthetic model. Interventions based on health promotion and education to improve self-esteem, where positive body image is promoted with face-to-face interventions, have been successful in reducing BD and ED. Body Project, ZARIMA, DITCA and AMEMC are effective programs.

Public Health Impact of Social Comparison on Body Image Concerning Cognitive Processing and Disordered Eating: A Systematic Review

A person's experience with body image can be influenced by environment or culture. Exposure to the thin-ideal is likely to decrease body image in women through social comparison; there is the anticipation of a negative public health impact. Recently published (between 2011 to 2021) study reports including mainly randomized controlled trials, clinical trials, and ecological momentary assessments on English-speaking female subjects were reviewed. Analysis of the eligible studies evaluated the consequences of social comparison concerning social media, disordered eating, and cognitive processing. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted with the majority of findings found to have statistically significant data in support of the following: (i) social media platforms provide space for the consumption of unattainable beauty standards based on thinideal imagery, (ii) the internalization of the thin-ideal leads to the development of body dissatisfaction, which is a predictor of disordered eating behaviors, (iii) cognitive coping mechanisms are used as protection against the harmful effects that come from social comparison. A concerted effort should be made by eating disorder prevention programs to lessen the cognitive response to thin-ideal stimuli, thereby decreasing body dissatisfaction and reducing the risk of development of disordered eating behaviors in women.

Effectiveness of a chatbot for eating disorders prevention: A randomized clinical trial.

Prevention of eating disorders (EDs) is of high importance. However, digital programs with human moderation are unlikely to be disseminated widely. The aim of this study was to test whether a chatbot (i.e., computer program simulating human conversation) would significantly reduce ED risk factors (i.e., weight/shape concerns, thin-ideal internalization) in women at high risk for an ED, compared to waitlist control, as well as whether it would significantly reduce overall ED psychopathology, depression, and anxiety and prevent ED onset. Women who screened as high risk for an ED were randomized (N=700) to (1) chatbot based on the StudentBodies© program; or (2) waitlist control. Participants were followed for 6 months. For weight/shape concerns, there was a significantly greater reduction in intervention versus control at 3- (d=-0.20; p=.03) and 6-m-follow-up (d=-0.19; p=.04). There were no differences in change in thin-ideal internalization. The intervention was associated with significantly greater reductions than control in overall ED psychopathology at 3- (d=-0.29; p=.003) but not 6-month follow-up. There were no differences in change in depression or anxiety. The odds of remaining nonclinical for EDs were significantly higher in intervention versus control at both 3- (OR=2.37, 95% CI [1.37, 4.11]) and 6-month follow-ups (OR=2.13, 95% CI [1.26, 3.59]). Findings provide support for the use of a chatbot-based EDs prevention program in reducing weight/shape concerns through 6-month follow-up, as well as in reducing overall ED psychopathology, at least in the shorter-term. Results also suggest the intervention may reduce ED onset. We found that a chatbot, or a computer program simulating human conversation, based on an established, cognitive-behavioral therapy-based eating disorders prevention program, was successful in reducing women's concerns about weight and shape through 6-month follow-up and that it may actually reduce eating disorder onset. These findings are important because this intervention, which uses a rather simple text-based approach, can easily be disseminated in order to prevent these deadly illnesses. OSF Registries; https://osf.io/7zmbv.

Effectiveness of the Body Project eating disorder prevention program for different racial and ethnic groups and an evaluation of the potential benefits of ethnic matching.

Provide an adequately powered tests of whether a group-delivered dissonance-based eating disorder prevention program (Body Project) is similarly effective for different racial and ethnic groups and evaluate whether an improved match between minority participant race/ethnicity and fellow group members is associated with larger effects. Study 1 examined data from 539 young women from seven high schools and four universities and Study 2 examined data from 1,195 young women and men from 50 universities who completed the Body Project, focusing on pretest-to-posttest reductions in outcomes. In Study 1, reductions in thin-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, dieting, negative affect, and eating disorder symptoms did not significantly differ for White versus Asian, Black, and Native Americans, though we did not have power to contrast racial and ethnic minority groups. In Study 2, only one intervention effect was weaker for a minority group relative to Whites (Black vs. White participants showed smaller reductions in thin-ideal internalization), but there was evidence that intervention effects were significantly larger for Hispanic versus White and Black participants, and to a lesser extent for Hispanic versus Asian and Native Americans; these differences were partially driven by differences in pretest risk across ethnic groups. Ethnic/racial matching was not associated with larger effects. Results suggest that the Body Project produced relatively similar effects for racial/ethnic minority groups relative to White participants, that the effects were sometimes larger for Asian and Hispanic participants, and that recruiting Black participants at higher risk may contribute to larger effects for this racial group. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Effects of internet-delivered eating disorder prevention on reward-based eating drive: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThis study is a secondary analysis testing the effects of an internet eating disorder prevention program on reward-based eating drive in a high-risk sample of college-aged women. MethodWe analyzed data from 278 women who were randomized to internet dissonance-based intervention (DBI-I), internet cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBTI), or no intervention (NI). Both active conditions consisted of self-guided activities completed over the course of four weeks. Linear mixed effects modeling was used to test the effect of internet intervention on reward-based eating drive. ResultsDBI-I was associated with greater reductions in reward-based eating over time than NI. No other Condition × Time effects were found. DiscussionThe results provide preliminary support for DBI-I as a strategy for reducing reward-based eating drive in a high-risk population relative to no intervention.

Enhancing efficacy of a dissonance-based obesity and eating disorder prevention program: Experimental therapeutics.

Test the hypothesis that the efficacy of a dissonance-based obesity/eating disorder prevention program, Project Health, could be enhanced by implementing it in single-sex groups and adding food response inhibition and attention training. Using a 2 × 2 factorial design, young adults (N = 261; Mage = 19.3, 79% female; 64% White) were randomized to (a) single-sex or (b) mixed-sex groups that completed food response inhibition and attention training or (c) single-sex or (d) mixed-sex groups that completed generic response inhibition and attention training with nonfood images. Preregistered primary outcomes (body fat, Body Mass Index [BMI]), eating disorder symptoms and other outcomes were assessed at pretest and posttest. For one preregistered primary outcome, body fat loss, there was a significant interaction between the two manipulated factors (d = -.28), as well as significant main effects for sex composition of groups (d = -.18) and food response inhibition and attention training (d = -0.17), with the largest body fat loss occurring for single-sex groups implemented with food response inhibition and attention training. Although the two manipulated factors did not significantly affect the other outcomes (including BMI, the other preregistered primary outcome), there was a significant reduction in eating disorder symptoms across the conditions (within participant d = -.78), converging with prior evidence that Project Health produced larger reductions in symptoms than educational control participants. Results suggest that implementing Project Health in single-sex groups with food response inhibition and attention training produced the largest body fat loss effects, as well as significant reductions in eating disorder symptoms, suggesting that efforts to disseminate this prevention program are warranted. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Feasibility of a virtually delivered eating disorder prevention program for young females with type 1 diabetes.

This study aimed to develop a virtual diabetes-specific version of the eating disorder (ED) prevention program the Body Project, and to assess feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this program for young females with type 1 diabetes. Young females with type 1 diabetes aged 16-35 years were invited to participate in the study. A total of 35 participants were allocated to five Diabetes Body Project groups (six meetings over 6 weeks) and completed pretest assessments; 26 participants completed all sessions and posttest assessments (<7 days after last meeting). Primary measures included ED risk factors and symptoms, and secondary outcomes included diabetes-specific constructs previously found to be associated with ED psychopathology (e.g., diabetes distress and illness perceptions). The ease of recruitment, timely conduct of five groups, moderate drop-out rate and appreciation of the intervention by participants indicated that the Diabetes Body Project is feasible. Meaningful reductions occurred on the primary outcomes (i.e., ED psychopathology, body dissatisfaction, and thin ideal internalization) and on internalization of appearance ideals and appearance pressures at posttest (Cohen's d ranging from .63 to .83, which are medium to large effects). Small to medium effect sizes were found for diabetes illness perceptions and distress (.41 and .48, respectively). The virtual Diabetes Body Project is a promising and much-needed intervention, worthy of more rigorous evaluation. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine its effectiveness compared with a control condition.

Cost-Effectiveness Comparison of Delivery Modalities for a Dissonance-Based Eating Disorder Prevention Program over 4-Year Follow-Up

The cost-effectiveness of delivery methods for an eating disorder prevention program is reported. In an effectiveness trial (enrollment 2013-2015) comparing three formats (clinician-led, peer-led, and Internet-delivered) for delivering the Body Project eating disorder prevention program to college women versus an educational video control, the peer-led method was more effective than the three alternatives at preventing onset of eating disorders over 4-year follow-up. Eating disorder incidence was 19.3% for clinician-led groups, 8.1% for peer-led groups, 15.5% for Internet-based eBody Project participants, and 17.6% for educational video controls. Delivery costs per person are reported for the Body Project, including participant time, and the cost-effectiveness is calculated for peer-led groups versus the video control. Data analyses were conducted in 2019-2021. Delivery costs per person for the Body Project, including participant time, were approximately $96 for clinician-led groups, $80 for peer-led groups, and $22 for the eBody Project, compared with $9 for the educational video control. For each additional case of eating disorder onset that was prevented by the peer-led groups, compared with the video control, the cost was about $740. There were no differences in health care utilization across condition. Eating disorder prevention costs via the Body Project compare very favorably with the costs for treating an eating disorder, which previously have been estimated to range from approximately $20,300 for cognitive-behavioral therapy for bulimia nervosa to approximately $119,200 for adequate care treatment of anorexia nervosa. These analyses demonstrate the economic value of the Body Project for preventing eating disorders among college-age women when delivered in peer-facilitated groups. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01949649.

Appearance-ideal internalization, body dissatisfaction, and suicidality among sexual minority men

Sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately at risk for suicidality. Furthermore, SMM are at elevated risk for appearance-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction, which are both associated with suicidality. Theoretical recommendations suggest including interaction terms between appearance-ideal internalization and body dissatisfaction when examining deleterious health outcomes. To test these interactions and examine whether appearance-ideal internalization or body dissatisfaction impart greater suicidality, the current study analyzed associations between specific forms of appearance-ideal internalization and suicidality among SMM, and whether body dissatisfaction moderated these associations. Participants were 171 SMM recruited for an eating disorder prevention program. Analyses examined the association between thin and muscular-ideal internalization with count of suicide risk, with body fat and muscularity dissatisfaction moderating these associations. Zero-inflated Poisson regressions revealed that the association between thin-ideal internalization and suicide risk was moderated by body fat dissatisfaction, such that thin-ideal internalization was associated with increased suicide risk at high levels of body fat dissatisfaction. Muscularity concerns were not significantly associated with suicidality, suggesting that thinness concerns may be more salient than muscularity for suicidality among SMM. Future research should replicate findings among larger SMM samples and extend the current design into non-SMM samples to examine if results generalize to other vulnerable populations.

Eating disorders symptoms prevention program in Mexican children

n recent decades, eating disorders (ED) prevention programs have gained relevance due to the impact they have on people, especially on children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eating disorder prevention program in children. Sixty elementary school children assigned to one of two conditions (control and intervention) participated, who answered three measures that assess: ED symptoms, the influence of body aesthetic model, and self-esteem, before and after an 8-session intervention, aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with eating disorders. En decadas recientes, los programas de prevencion de los trastornos del comportamiento alimentario (TCA) han cobrado relevancia debido al impacto quetien en en las personas, especialmente en los ninos.

Eating disorders symptoms prevention program in Mexican children

In recent decades, eating disorders (ED) prevention programs have gained relevance due to the impact they have on people, especially on children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eating disorder prevention program in children. Sixty elementary school children assigned to one of two conditions (control and intervention) participated, who answered three measures that assess: ED symptoms, the influence of body aesthetic model, and self-esteem, before and after an 8-session intervention, aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with eating disorders. En décadas recientes, los programas de prevención de los trastornos del comportamiento alimentario (TCA) han cobrado relevancia debido al impacto quetien en en las personas, especialmente en los niños.

Examining weight suppression as a predictor and moderator of intervention outcomes in an eating disorder and obesity prevention trial: A replication and extension study

Weight suppression (WS) predicts future weight gain and increases in eating disorder symptoms in community and clinical samples but has received minimal attention in obesity and eating disorder prevention programs. In a sample of emerging adults (N = 364) in a randomized controlled trial evaluating two obesity and eating disorder prevention interventions versus a control condition, this study aimed to replicate the findings that WS and its interaction with baseline BMI predict increases in weight and eating disorder symptoms and test a novel hypothesis that WS would moderate the effects of the interventions on change in weight and eating disorder symptoms. Participants completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention, 6-, 12-, and 24-months. WS was calculated as the difference between highest lifetime weight and baseline weight. WS interacted with baseline BMI to predict greater weight gain over 24-months, such that those with high WS and lower baseline BMI gained weight most rapidly. WS did not predict eating disorder symptom change and did not moderate the effects of the prevention programs. Given that individuals with WS are at increased risk for weight gain, expressly targeting this high-risk population with evidence-based obesity prevention programs may be useful. Clinicaltrials.gov registrationNCT01680224.