Risk Behaviors For Eating Disorders Research Articles

EQUATION FOR EATING DISORDER RISK BEHAVIORS IN FEMALE ATHLETES

ABSTRACT Introduction: It is difficult to detect athletes at risk of eating disorders. Objective: The aim of this study was to create a predictive equation for eating disorder risk behaviors (EDRB) in female athletes. Methods: 484 athletes participated in the study. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to assess EDRB. The Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 was used to analyze the sociocultural influence on body image. The Body Shape Questionnaire and the Body Checking and Avoidance Questionnaire were used to assess body dissatisfaction in relation to thinness, and body checking, respectively. Skinfold thickness, body weight and height were also measured. The demographic data collected were age and weekly training regime. Results: The findings indicate that body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), sociocultural influence, body checking and body dissatisfaction in relation to thinness explain 23% of the EDRB variance (p = 0.001). The results showed no difference between the EAT-26 scores and the predictive equation (p = 0.27). Conclusion: It was concluded that the predictive equation is reliable for evaluating EDRB in female athletes. Level of evidence III; study case-control.

Body dissatisfaction, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for eating disorders among exercise practitioners

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between body dissatisfaction (BD), addiction to exercise and risk behaviors to eating disorders (EDs) among Brazilian exercise practitioners, besides comparing the variables according to sex, age group and modality.MethodsParticipants were 60 exercice practitioners of fitness (n = 44) and crossfit (n = 16), with mean age of 26.58 ± 7.76 years. Data collection was conducted through Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Diagnosis of Orthorexia Questionnaire (ORTO-15), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Scale of Dedication to Exercise (SDE). Data analysis was conducted through Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t tests, Pearson correlation, and Path Analysis (p < .05).ResultsMain results showed the association between BD, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for EDs. Further, individuals dissatisfied with their bodies showed higher level of addiction to exercise and risk behavior for EDs. Furthermore, women showed higher presence of BD than men, and fitness participants reported higher presence of addiction to exercise than crossfit practitioners.ConclusionsThis study revealed that BD seems to be a determinant factor for risk behavior for ED’s and addiction to exercise among fitness and crossfit particpants.

Obesity prevention messages, risk behaviors for eating disorders and body mass index. Cluster analysis

Resumen. Los expertos en salud pública han argumentado que las campañas de prevención de la obesidad pueden tener efectos negativos para la salud, como los comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal, la presencia de comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios y escuchar los mensajes de prevención de la obesidad. Se midió a los adolescentes para calcular su índice de masa corporal. Se evaluó la presencia de conductas de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios, y se registró el número y con frecuencia de mensajes de prevención de la obesidad que escucharon. Se utilizó un análisis de conglomerados para el análisis estadístico. Entre los resultados se encontró que los adolescentes informaron haber escuchado un promedio de siete mensajes diferentes de prevención de la obesidad en una semana; El mensaje más escuchado fue medir su cintura. Los comportamientos de riesgo más comunes para los trastornos alimentarios observados en los adolescentes fueron el ejercicio excesivo y el miedo a aumentar de peso. Se identificaron los grupos, un grupo eran adolescentes obesos que informaron haber escuchado menos mensajes de prevención de la obesidad y presentaron diversos comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. Otro grupo fue el de adolescentes de peso normal que informaron haber escuchado más mensajes de prevención de la obesidad y presentaron pocos comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. En conclusión, es aconsejable diseñar campañas que prevengan simultáneamente la obesidad y los comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. Otro grupo fue el de adolescentes de peso normal que informaron haber escuchado más mensajes de prevención de la obesidad y presentaron pocos comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. En conclusión, es aconsejable diseñar campañas que prevengan simultáneamente la obesidad y los comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. Otro grupo fue el de adolescentes de peso normal que informaron haber escuchado más mensajes de prevención de la obesidad y presentaron pocos comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios. En conclusión, es aconsejable diseñar campañas que prevengan simultáneamente la obesidad y los comportamientos de riesgo para los trastornos alimentarios.

Attitudes toward health and taste of food among women with bulimia nervosa and women of a non-clinical sample

Taste preferences and health concerns play important roles in determining eating attitudes, thus influencing food choices. Disordered eating attitudes are common among women, and can lead to the development and maintenance of eating disorders (ED). Attitudes toward health and taste of food among ED patients and its comparison with non-clinical women are not well known, and this knowledge could improve eating interventions. In this study, we compared taste preferences and health concerns in 27 women with diagnosis of bulimia nervosa (BN) and 216 women of a non-clinical sample. All participants completed the Health and Taste Attitude Scale (HTAS). Using analysis of covariance we compared the HTAS scores of the BN patients with those of the college students. Risk behaviors for ED (assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test) were identified in 54 (25%) of the non-clinical sample, all of whom were therefore excluded in comparison of BN patients. Non-clinical sample, compared to patients, scored higher on the HTAS Taste domain (p < 0.001) and its pleasure subscale (p < 0.001), whereas patients scored higher on the HTAS Health domain (p < 0.05) and its light product interest subscale (p < 0.05). Based on our data, eating attitudes of women of non-clinical sample are related to taste and pleasure, whereas women with BN are concerned with adopting a diet regarded as healthy, thus increasing their interest in “light” products. Therefore, the taste and health concerns must be considered in nutrition interventions for women in general, and prevention and treatment of ED as determinants of food choice.

Tooth erosion and eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundEating disorders are associated with the highest rates of morbidity and mortality of any mental disorders among adolescents. The failure to recognize their early signs can compromise a patient's recovery and long-term prognosis. Tooth erosion has been reported as an oral manifestation that might help in the early detection of eating disorders.ObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to search for scientific evidence regarding the following clinical question: Do eating disorders increase the risk of tooth erosion?MethodsAn electronic search addressing eating disorders and tooth erosion was conducted in eight databases. Two independent reviewers selected studies, abstracted information and assessed its quality. Data were abstracted for meta-analysis comparing tooth erosion in control patients (without eating disorders) vs. patients with eating disorders; and patients with eating disorder risk behavior vs. patients without such risk behavior. Combined odds ratios (ORs) and a 95% confidence interval (CI) were obtained.ResultsTwenty-three papers were included in the qualitative synthesis and assessed by a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Fourteen papers were included in the meta-analysis. Patients with eating disorders had more risk of tooth erosion (OR = 12.4, 95%CI = 4.1–37.5). Patients with eating disorders who self-induced vomiting had more risk of tooth erosion than those patients who did not self-induce vomiting (OR = 19.6, 95%CI = 5.6–68.8). Patients with risk behavior of eating disorder had more risk of tooth erosion than patients without such risk behavior (Summary OR = 11.6, 95%CI = 3.2–41.7).ConclusionThe scientific evidence suggests a causal relationship between tooth erosion and eating disorders and purging practices. Nevertheless, there is a lack of scientific evidence to fulfill the basic criteria of causation between the risk behavior for eating disorders and tooth erosion.

Risk behaviors for eating disorder: factors associated in adolescent students.

Evidence shows that the prevalence of risk behaviors for eating disorders (RBED) among young people has increased in recent years. Body dissatisfaction, excessive exercise, body composition, economic status, and ethnicity may be risk factors for RBED. To evaluate the association of body dissatisfaction, psychological commitment to exercise, body fat, nutritional status, economic class, and ethnicity with RBED in adolescents. This study included 562 boys and girls aged 10 to 15 years. We used the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) to assess RBED. The Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and the Commitment to Exercise Scale (CES) were used to measure body dissatisfaction and commitment to exercise, respectively. Skin fold thickness was measured to classify body fat according to sex. Weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index (BMI) and classify participants according to nutritional status. The economic class was recorded according to the Brazilian Economic Classification Criterion. A questionnaire was used to record ethnicity, age and sex. Binary logistic regression was used to determine associations between variables. The results showed an association of RBED with body dissatisfaction, CES scores, and economic class among girls (p < 0.05). Among boys, body dissatisfaction, body fat, and nutritional status were associated with RBED (p < 0.05). Even though body dissatisfaction had the highest odds ratio, other variables were also associated with RBED.

Risk behaviors for eating disorder in adolescents and adults with type 1 diabetes

To evaluate the frequency of risk behaviors for eating disorder (ED) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and their association with gender, nutritional status, variables related to T1D, and body satisfaction. 189 individuals with T1D (12-56 years old) answered the Bulimic Investigation Test (BITE), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), the Binge Eating Scale (BES), Stunkard's Figure Rating Scale, and questions regarding control of T1D. Association between ED risk behaviors and the selected variables was assessed with the chi-square test and Student's t-test; factors that influenced the risk of ED were identified by means of logistic regression. Of the patients with T1D, 58.7% were at risk of ED (45, 40, and 16% according to the EAT, BITE and BES, respectively). There were significant differences between groups with and without risk for ED related to BMI (p = 0.009), gender (p = 0.001), insulin omission (p = 0.003), use of the carbohydrate counting method (p = 0.019), and body dissatisfaction (p = 0.001). The risk of ED was nine times higher in patients who reduced or omitted insulin (p = 0.036). Patients with T1D demonstrated a high frequency of body dissatisfaction and ED risk behaviors; the omission or reduction of insulin was an important risk factor.

Eating disorder risk behavior and dental implications among adolescents

To compare the occurrence of tooth erosion (TE) and dental caries (DC) in adolescents with and without risk behavior for eating disorders (EDs). A controlled cross-sectional study involving 1,203 randomly selected female students aged 15-18 years was conducted in Brazil. Risk behavior for EDs was evaluated through the Bulimic Investigatory Test of Edinburgh and dental examinations were performed. The prevalence of risk behavior for EDs was 6%. Twenty adolescents (1.7%) were identified with severe risk behavior for EDs and matched to 80 adolescents without such risk. Among the severe risk group, 45% of adolescents were affected by TE and 80% by DC compared with 8.8 and 51.3%, respectively, in the matched group. Adolescents with severe risk had higher chances for TE (OR = 10.04; 95% CI = 2.5-39.4). In this study, a severe risk behavior for EDs was significantly associated with TE, but not with DC.

O que é comportamento de risco para transtornos alimentares em adolescentes?

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar comportamento de risco para transtornos alimentares (TA) e sua frequência entre adolescentes em uma revisão da literatura nacional e internacional. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica por meio de uma revisão integrativa nas bases de dados PubMed (US National Library of Medicine)e Lilacs e no portal SciELO,utilizando-se os descritores relacionados à "eating disorder risk behavior". Foram selecionados artigos publicados nos últimos 10 anos, nos idiomas português, espanhol e inglês, e especificamente com adolescentes. Foram avaliados 76 artigos e analisados a nomenclatura e os instrumentos utilizados para avaliar comportamento de risco para TA e sua prevalência. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se uma série de termos para avaliar risco para TA. A metodologia mais utilizada foi a de questionários e escalas, destacando-se o EAT-26 ou 40 e o BITE, dentre os mais frequentes; a prevalência de risco variou de 0,24% a 58,4%. CONCLUSÃO: Diferentes nomenclaturas e instrumentos são utilizados para avaliar comportamento de risco para TA entre adolescentes, com grande amplitude nos resultados de prevalência. Maior padronização de termos e metodologia de avaliação permitiriam melhor comparação entre estudos epidemiológicos em diferentes localidades.

Vegetarianism and Eating Disorder Risk Behavior in Adolescents from São Paulo, Brazil

ObjectiveTo evaluate eating disorders risk behaviors and unhealthy weight control practices among adolescents who consider themselves as vegetarians and those who are omnivorous. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 technical schools in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included 1167 adolescents (51% female), aged 14 to 19 (mean age, 16). Adolescents stated whether they were currently vegetarian, and the sample was dichotomized as vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The two groups were compared as regards weight status, eating disorder risk behavior, unhealthy weight control methods and the perception of healthy eating. ResultsAbout 4% of the sample was currently vegetarian, most of them female (70.8%), and females were 2.89 times more likely to be vegetarian than males. No relationship was found between the vegetarian status and unhealthy weight control behavior; however the vegetarian group considered their diet to be healthier than the non-vegetarian group (P=.04). ConclusionsThe frequency of vegetarianism, as well the frequency of eating disorder risk behaviors had no association in this adolescent sample from São Paulo, Brazil.

Vegetarianism and Eating Disorder Risk Behavior in Adolescents from São Paulo, Brazil

Objective: To evaluate eating disorders risk behaviors and unhealthy weight control practices among adolescents who consider themselves as vegetarians and those who are omnivorous.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 technical schools in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample included 1167 adolescents (51% female), aged 14 to 19 (mean age, 16). Adolescents stated whether they were currently vegetarian, and the sample was dichotomized as vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The two groups were compared as regards weight status, eating disorder risk behavior, unhealthy weight control methods and the perception of healthy eating.Results: About 4% of the sample was currently vegetarian, most of them female (70.8%), and females were 2.89 times more likely to be vegetarian than males. No relationship was found between the vegetarian status and unhealthy weight control behavior; however the vegetarian group considered their diet to be healthier than the non-vegetarian group (P=.04).Conclusions: The frequency of vegetarianism, as well the frequency of eating disorder risk behaviors had no association in this adolescent sample from São Paulo, Brazil.

Prevalence of eating disorder risk and body image distortion among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I varsity equestrian athletes.

Participation in appearance-based sports, particularly at the collegiate level, may place additional pressures on female athletes to be thin, which may increase the likelihood of their resorting to drastic weight control measures, such as disordered eating behaviors. (1) To estimate the prevalence and sources of eating disorder risk classification by academic status (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) and riding discipline (English and Western), (2) to examine riding style and academic status variations in body mass index (BMI) and silhouette type, and (3) to examine these variations across eating disorder risk classification type (eg, body image disturbances). Cross-sectional study. Seven universities throughout the United States. A total of 138 participants volunteered (mean age = 19.88 ± 1.29 years). They represented 2 equestrian disciplines English riding (n = 91) and Western riding (n = 47). Participants self-reported menstrual cycle history, height, and weight. We screened for eating disorder risk behaviors with the Eating Attitudes Test and for body disturbance with sex-specific BMI silhouettes. Based on the Eating Attitudes Test, estimated eating disorder prevalence was 42.0% in the total sample, 38.5% among English riders, and 48.9% among Western riders. No BMI or silhouette differences were found across academic status or discipline in disordered eating risk. Overall, participants perceived their body images as significantly larger than their actual physical sizes (self-reported BMI) and wanted to be significantly smaller in both normal clothing and competitive uniforms. Disordered eating risk prevalence among equestrian athletes was similar to that reported in other aesthetic sports and lower than that in nonaesthetic sports. Athletic trainers working with these athletes should be sensitive to these risks and refer athletes as needed to clinicians knowledgeable about disordered eating. Professionals working with this population should avoid making negative comments about physical size and appearance.

Eating disorder risk behavior in Brazilian adolescents from low socio-economic level

We investigated the prevalence, by gender, age and nutritional status, of eating disorder (ED) risk behavior, using a simplified self-report questionnaire in a probabilistic sample of 561, 12–19-year-old students from public schools in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sex- and age-specific body mass index cut-offs were used to assess nutritional status. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 16.2% and of being underweight was 2.5%; 37.3% of the adolescents studied presented symptoms of binge eating (BE) and 24.7% would go on a strict diet at least once a week, both cases more frequent in females (40.8% vs. 25.3%; 31.2% vs. 10.5%, respectively). Older students were shown to be more susceptible to binge eating and younger students more susceptible to strict dieting. Overweight adolescents were shown to be more susceptible to strict dieting than normal-weight adolescents, regardless of sex and age. The prevalence of binge eating and strict dieting was high in low-income Brazilian adolescents and females are at greater risk of developing eating disorders than males. The greater prevalence of strict dieting in younger students shows they are at nutritional risk.