Diet Pill Use Research Articles

Eating Disorder Risk and Pathogenic Behaviors Among Collegiate Student-Athletes.

Eating disorders (EDs) are a cluster of behavioral conditions characterized by uneasy thoughts and behaviors that grow into severe or persistent eating disturbances. The demands on student-athletes may create mental and physical stressors that increase the likelihood of EDs and disordered eating. To examine the ED risk through eating attitudes and behaviors in male and female student-athletes and across various sport types (endurance, aesthetic, power, ball or team, or technical sports). Cross-sectional study. Collegiate athletics. National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I and II student-athletes (n = 2054; males = 631; females = 1423) from 40 institutions. Participants completed a web-based demographic survey and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26). Multiple χ2 analyses examined participants classified as at risk for EDs. Independent-samples t tests and a 1-way analyses of variance compared sex and sport type across EAT-26 totals and subscale (Dieting, Bulimia, and Oral Control) scores. Overall, 25.3% (n = 520/2054) of student-athletes were classified as at risk for EDs. Differences were found between sex and ED risk (χ21,2054 = 32.9, P ≤ .01; 17.3% [n = 109/631] males, 28.9% [n = 411/1423] females) and across ED risk and sport type (χ24,2054 = 13.4, P = .01). When examining females only, we observed differences across ED risk and sport type (χ24,1423 = 13.4, P ≤ .01). No differences were evident across ED risk and sport type for males. Differences were seen between sex and binge eating (χ21,2054 = 6.8, P = .009), sex and diet pill use (χ21,2054 = 19.6, P ≤ .01), and sport type and diet pill use (χ24,2054= 12.2, P = .016), excessive exercise (χ24,2054 = 32.1, P ≤ .01), and losing more than 20 lb (9 kg) in the last 6 months (χ24,2054 = 10.2, P ≤ .037). Student-athletes in the collegiate setting are at risk for EDs. Medical professionals, such as athletic trainers, need to be educated on the potential risk factors that may lead to EDs. Protocols for prevention, screening and recognition, and referral should be developed for student-athletes at risk for EDs.

Characteristics, course and condition of patients presenting to an adolescent medicine eating disorder program: A three-year study

PurposeEvaluate clinical characteristics at initiation, during, and at discontinuation of care for patients with eating disorders regardless of reason for discontinuation of care. MethodsA chart review of 279 patients who presented to the Division of Adolescent Medicine of Cohen Children's Medical Center (Northwell Health, New York) between May 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015. Demographics and clinical information including anthropometry, last menstrual period (LMP), caloric intake, eating disorder behaviors, length of illness, DSM-5 eating disorder diagnosis was collected from 2734 visits. Results45% of patients had Anorexia Nervosa (AN), 24% had Atypical Anorexia Nervosa (AAN), 15% had Bulimia Nervosa/Purging Disorder (BN/PD), and 17% had Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Patients on average were sick for 18 months and lost 20 pounds prior to presentation. Physicians indicated they wanted patients to remain in active treatment in approximately 40% of cases where care was discontinued. The factors, used to predict which patients would have an unsuccessful vs successful outcome (defined as needing vs not requiring frequent care), were analyzed. A history of diet-pill use, purging, and exercise predicted an “unsuccessful outcome” (p = 0.02, p = 0.005, p=0.03, respectively). 32% of the 202 menarchal females lost their menses prior to treatment, and 54% had resumption of menses during treatment. ConclusionsPrevious studies report high dropout rates in treatment of eating disorders across various treatment modalities and focus on those who remain in care. Here outcomes for all patients evaluated and treatment in an adolescent medicine care model are presented and show that a sizable portion, 37%, of those who drop out are recommended to stay in active treatment and only approximately 30% complete treatment. This finding supports an adolescent care model for eating disorder treatment and highlights that most adolescent patients go on to do well after leaving treatment, even if they left care earlier than recommended.

Female intrasexual competitiveness interacts with body mass index to predict willingness to use a risky diet pill.

Previous research has highlighted the putative role of intrasexual competition (IC) in predicting women's body dissatisfaction, weight loss effort, and, at its extreme, eating disorders. However, extant research reporting on these links is limited by its exclusion of potential confounds, including psychopathologies such as depression. Moreover, it is presently unclear whether women higher in body mass index (BMI) may be more prone to the influence of IC in taking dieting risks. To address these gaps in the literature, 189 young adult women completed measures of IC, depressive symptoms, willingness to use a risky diet pill, and had their height and weight measured. Results showed that IC interacted with BMI to predict willingness to use a risky diet pill, such that women high in both IC and BMI were most likely to take the risky diet pill. Further exploratory analyses considering potential directional links between BMI and depression supported mediating roles of depression (from BMI) and BMI (from depression) in predicting willingness to use a risky diet pill. Results suggest that links between IC and dieting risks may be moderated by women's BMI, and that these links hold when considering depressive symptoms. Future longitudinal research would benefit from a better understanding of the potential directional links between BMI, depression, and diet pill use.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Weight Loss Behaviors Among US College Students.

Weight loss behaviors are prevalent among college students and are associated with adverse physical and psychological outcomes, such as an elevated risk of developing an eating disorder. While cross-ethnic differences have been reported, no consistent pattern has emerged. The purpose of this study was to examine racial and ethnic differences in weight loss behaviors among female and male college students. The American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II-C survey data from the collection periods from 2015 to 2019 was used. A total of 426,425 students participated in the survey. Most participants were White (60%) and female (68.5%). Information on students' age, body mass index (BMI), and self-rated health was also collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine cross-ethnic differences in weight loss methods among female and male students. Students' weight loss behaviors were assessed and included dieting, exercising, vomiting or taking laxatives, and the use of diet pills in the past 30 days. More than half of the participants attempted to lose weight through exercise (53.5%), and 40.3% of students dieted to lose weight in the past month. Purging and the use of diet pills were endorsed by 2.9% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively. With few exceptions, male students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were more likely to engage in extreme weight control practices (ie, vomiting or taking laxatives, taking diet pills) than White male students, while female students from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds were less likely to use diet and exercise as weight loss methods than White female students. For all outcomes, Biracial/Multiracial and Hispanic/Latino male students were more likely to attempt weight loss than White male students. Biracial/Multiracial female students more frequently endorsed extreme weight control behaviors than White female students. The results of the present study add to the growing body of literature on the relationship between race and ethnicity and weight loss behaviors. The findings indicate the need for tailored educational and intervention programs on college campuses.

Sexual assault predicts unhealthy weight management among college women: A longitudinal, prospective study

Objective: To examine whether sexual assault prospectively predicts unhealthy weight management behaviors in college women. Method: Participants were female college students (N = 483) with monthly assessments across the first year, including the frequency and severity of sexual assault and unhealthy weight management behaviors. Results: Frequency of sexual assault prior to college predicted dieting, purging, and diet pill use, over the first year. Severity of those experiences predicted dieting and diet pill use. Frequency of sexual assault during the first semester predicted purging and diet pill use during the second semester. Severity predicted all three unhealthy weight management behaviors. Findings held consistently when controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and pre-college mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, as well as unhealthy weight management behaviors during the first semester in longitudinal analyses. Reverse models were non-significant. Conclusions: This research documents the detrimental effects of sexual assault on unhealthy weight management behaviors in college women, and highlights the importance of prevention and intervention.

Association Between the Patterns of Five Unhealthy Behaviors and Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents in Six Provinces of China.

BackgroundIn adolescents, multiple unhealthy behaviors frequently occur together and are likely to be associated with suicidal behaviors (SBs), increasing the risk of suicide. This study aimed to clarify the potential patterns of unhealthy behaviors in Chinese adolescents and to examine the associations between the different patterns of unhealthy behaviors and SBs.MethodsA total of 22,628 middle school students were enrolled in this study. Self-reported unhealthy behaviors and SBs were investigated using questionnaires. Latent class analysis (LCA) was performed based on five unhealthy behaviors [smoking, alcohol use (AU), diet pill use (DPU), screen time (ST), and problematic mobile phone use (PMPU)]. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine associations between the different patterns of unhealthy behaviors and SBs.ResultsFour subgroups of unhealthy behaviors were identified by LCA, including high-risk class (smoking/AU/DPU/PMPU/ST), moderate-risk class 1 (DPU/PMPU), moderate-risk class 2 (smoking/AU/ST), and low-risk class. Compared with the low-risk class, moderate-risk class 1, moderate-risk class 2, and high-risk class had higher risks of suicidal ideation, suicide plan, and suicide attempt.ConclusionsThese findings suggested that patterns of unhealthy behaviors were related to SBs in Chinese adolescents. Accordingly, considerations of different classes of unhealthy behaviors may be essential for developing effective preventive programs.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents' disordered eating: Exploring general and SGM-specific factors.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents disproportionately report disordered eating, yet have primarily been considered under a larger SGM umbrella. The current study 1) compared disordered eating between sexual minority (SM) and gender minority (GM) adolescents; 2) examined how general psychological factors (self-esteem, depression, and stress) and SGM-specific factors (e.g., feelings about SGM identity, access to SGM resources) were associated with disordered eating; and 3) examined whether associations between these factors differed for SM versus GM adolescents. SGM adolescents in the U.S. (N= 8814; 35.0% GM; 43.7% cisgender girls; 66.9% White; Mage = 15.6) reported their disordered eating, depressive symptoms, stress, self-esteem, and SGM-related experiences on an anonymous, cross-sectional online survey. GM adolescents exhibited a higher prevalence of clinical threshold disordered eating than SM adolescents. Self-esteem was associated with lower odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating. Depression was associated with higher odds of caloric restriction, diet pill use, purging, laxatives, and binge eating. Stress was associated with higher odds of purging. Associations were stronger for GM adolescents' caloric restriction. Positive feelings about SGM identity were associated with lower odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating, whereas greater stress of "coming out" was associated with higher odds of caloric restriction, purging, and binge eating. These results suggest that SGM adolescents' disordered eating is associated with both general psychological factors and unique SGM experiences. Results highlight the importance of considering how the unique experiences of SGM youth may leave them vulnerable to disordered eating behaviors. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are disproportionately affected by disordered eating. The current study found that higher depression and stress, and lower self-esteem, were associated with SGM adolescents' disordered eating. Furthermore, unique SGM experiences, such as stress about coming out, were also associated with eating pathology. Results highlight the importance of considering SGM adolescents' perceptions of their identity and social support.

Disproportionate Use of Over-the-counter Diet Pills Among Latinx Youth and Increased Use Over Time Among Latinx Females: Results of US National Study

PurposeOver-the-counter diet pills are target-marketed to Latinx communities, raising concerns about youth use of these harmful products. MethodsMultivariable logistic models estimated odds ratios (ORs) of diet-pill use in a representative sample of US Latinx and White students (2009–2013; N = 33,824). ResultsLatinx students had 30%–40% higher odds of past-30-day diet-pill use than White peers (males: OR = 1.39; 95% confidence interval = 1.10, 1.76, females: OR = 1.34; 95% confidence interval = 1.12, 1.61), and inequities among females widened, with one in 10 Latinx females reporting past-30-day use by 2013 (10.0% Latinx females vs. 6.2% White non-Latinx females). DiscussionHigher prevalence of over-the-counter diet-pill use in Latinx relative to white youth—and increasing use over time for Latinx females—underscores the need for stronger restrictions on marketing and sale to youth.

Investigation of Eating Disorder Risk and Body Image Dissatisfaction among Female Competitive Cheerleaders.

Social agents associated with cheerleading environments are increasingly linked to body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (ED). This study examined ED risk across team type, squad type, and position. An additional purpose determined BID in clothing type (daily clothing, midriff uniform, and full uniform), and meta-perceptions from the perspective of peers (MP peers), parents (MP parents), and coaches (MP coaches). Female cheerleaders (n = 268) completed an online survey which included demographics, the Eating Attitudes Test-26, and pathogenic behavior questions. Body image perceptions were assessed by using the Sex-Specific Figural Stimuli Silhouettes. Overall, 34.4% of cheerleaders (n = 268; mean age: 17.9 ± 2.7 years) exhibited an ED risk. Compared to All-Star cheerleaders, college cheerleaders demonstrated significant higher ED risk (p = 0.021), dieting subscale scores (p = 0.045), and laxative, diet pill, and diuretic use (p = 0.008). Co-ed teams compared to all-girl teams revealed higher means for the total EAT-26 (p = 0.018) and oral control subscale (p = 0.002). The BID in clothing type revealed that cheerleaders wanted to be the smallest in the midriff option (p < 0.0001, η2 = 0.332). The BID from meta-perception revealed that cheerleaders felt that their coaches wanted them to be the smallest (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.106). Cheerleaders are at risk for EDs and BID at any level. Regarding the midriff uniform, MP from the perspective of coaches showed the greatest difference between perceived and desired body image.

Diet pill and laxative use for weight control predicts first-time receipt of an eating disorder diagnosis within the next 5 years among female adolescents and young adults.

To replicate findings from a prior study which identified prospective associations between use of products for weight control and subsequent receipt of a first-time eating disorder (ED) diagnosis among female adolescents and young adults. Data from a prospective cohort study, Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), were used to examine prospective associations between self-reported past-year diet pill and laxative use for weight control and self-reported receipt of an ED diagnosis among females without prior receipt of an ED diagnosis (N=1,015). Participants were followed from early/middle adolescence (EAT-I; Mage =14.9 years) into late adolescence/emerging adulthood (EAT-II; Mage =19.5 years) and young adulthood (EAT-III; Mage =24.8 years). First-time receipt of an ED diagnosis was reported by 2.4% of participants at EAT-II and 4.0% at EAT-III. After adjusting for demographics and weight status, participants using diet pills (risk ratio [RR]=3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96-6.54) and laxatives (RR=2.77, 95% CI: 1.01-7.64) had greater risk of receiving a first-time ED diagnosis within 5 years than those not using these products. The present study replicated prior findings, providing further evidence for a prospective link between use of products for weight control and subsequent receipt of an ED diagnosis.

Rapid Weight Loss Habits before a Competition in Sambo Athletes.

Background: Like other combat sports, sambo has competition rules that divide athletes into categories based on gender, age and weight. Athletes in combat sports often resort to rapid weight loss (RWL) methods to be more competitive in lower weight categories and gain an advantage against lighter, smaller and weaker competitors. The aim of this study was to examine the methodology implemented by two different sambo age categories, junior and senior athletes, in order to attain RWL. Methods: The sample consisted of 103 male sambo elite athletes (seniors/juniors: age 28.5 ± 4.3/18.9 ± 0.8; height (m): 1.7 ± 0.1/1.8 ± 0.1; weight (kg): 76.3 ± 17.8/74.4 ± 16.3; BMI (kg/m2): 25.0 ± 3.8/23.7 ± 3.9) who completed a survey on RWL. Results: Athletes reported losing a mean of 5 kg starting approximately 12 days before a competition. The most common methodology reported by senior and junior sambo athletes was gradually increasing dieting, followed by sauna and plastic suit training. Less common methods adopted were laxatives, diuretics, the use of diet pills and vomiting. There were significant group differences for sauna and diet pill ingestion. Coaches and parents are influential people in the lives of athletes concerning the weight loss strategy to be adopted. Conclusions: This study’s results unequivocally confirm the prevalent practice of RWL in both senior and junior sambo athletes. Although athletes prevalently chose “less harmful” methods, there is a need to inform parents and coaches of the risks and benefits of RWL.

Prevalence of Eating Disorders and Its Associated Risk Factors in Students of a Medical College Hospital in South India.

Background and objectivesEating disorders are some of the most under-researched and difficult to diagnose psychiatric conditions, with a high mortality rate, especially among the adolescent age group. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for eating disorders among students of a medical college hospital in South India.Materials and methodsAn observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 students of four constituent colleges of a tertiary-care hospital selected by simple random sampling. Their height and weight were recorded. Four major questionnaires were distributed among the students - Demographic details, Eating Attitudes Test (EAT26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The results were tabulated and analyzed using SPSS software version 16.0 (IBM Corporation, Somers, New York, USA).ResultsThe proportion of students who had a high risk for eating disorders was 13%. It was prevalent almost equally in both males and females. High risk for eating disorders was associated with high stress and severe body shape concerns (p<0.001). Other influencing factors were history of counselling, peer pressure, excessive exercise as well as the history of any behavioral symptoms like the use of laxatives and diet pills (p<0.001).ConclusionsEating disorder risk is prevalent in a high percentage of medical and paramedical students. High stress and body shape concerns are associated with eating disorders. Only if diagnosed early, with screening programs using questionnaires and further psychiatric evaluation, we can hope to mitigate the complications they incur.

Gender Expression, Peer Victimization, and Disordered Weight-Control Behaviors Among U.S. High School Students

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the association between gender expression, peer victimization, and disordered weight-control behaviors (DWCBs) in four population-based samples of U.S. high school students. MethodsAnalyses include data from 5,488 U.S. high school students from the 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys in four jurisdictions (Broward County, FL; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA). Participants were 56% Hispanic/Latino, 21% black/African American, and 14% white. Two items asked about perceived gender expression; responses were classified into three groups: highly gender conforming (e.g., very masculine boys), moderately gender conforming, gender nonconforming (e.g., feminine boys). Sex-stratified multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between gender expression, peer victimization, and DWCBs in previous month (fasting, using diet pills/liquids/powders, and purging [vomiting or using laxatives]), controlling for potential confounders. ResultsOverall, 12% of respondents reported fasting, 6% reported diet pill use, and 5% reported purging, with significantly higher prevalence among gender nonconforming than among gender conforming male students (p < .001). In adjusted models, gender nonconforming male students had greater odds of fasting (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 3.0 [2.0–4.7]), diet pill use (6.1 [3.7–9.9]), and purging (7.2 [3.6–14.8]), relative to moderately conforming males. No significant associations were found among female students. Adding peer victimization to models modestly attenuated the association between gender nonconformity and DWCBs for male students. ConclusionsIn probability samples of U.S. high school students, we observed marked differences by gender expression in DWCBs among male students but not among female students. Gender expression-related stigma should be addressed within clinical and school-based interventions to prevent DWCBs.

Behavioral symptoms of eating disorders among adopted adolescents and young adults in the United States: Findings from the Add Health survey.

More adopted individuals report experiencing general psychopathology, poor parental attachment, and early childhood eating difficulties than nonadopted individuals, yet little is known about disordered eating in this population. This study sought to describe the relationship between adoption status and behavioral eating-disorder (ED) symptoms, and to examine potential correlates of ED symptoms that are unique to adopted individuals. We examined data from adolescents and young adults from Waves 1 (n adopted = 561, nonadopted = 20,184), 2 (n adopted = 211, nonadopted = 14,525), and 3 (n adopted = 416, nonadopted = 14,754) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. ED symptom items included dieting, breakfast skipping, binge eating, extreme weight loss behaviors (EWLBs; i.e., self-induced vomiting, laxative use, diet pill use) and lifetime ED diagnosis. Compared to nonadopted individuals, adopted individuals were more likely to report EWLBs at Wave 2 and binge eating and lifetime ED diagnosis at Wave 3 (ps < .05). Among adopted individuals, contact with a biological parent was associated with higher rates of binge eating and lifetime ED diagnosis at Wave 3 (ps < .05), whereas age at adoption and having ever been in foster care were not associated with rates of ED symptoms. This study provides preliminary evidence that being adopted may be a risk factor for certain behavioral symptoms of EDs. Given the benefits of early detection and treatment of ED symptoms, mental health professionals working with adopted individuals should assess for disordered eating.

Changes in disordered eating behaviors over 10 or more years: A meta-analysis.

The present meta-analysis evaluated changes in individuals' risk of engaging in distinct disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in the long-term. Longitudinal studies assessing changes in DEBs via ≥2 assessments with a time lag of ≥10 years were included. Risk ratios were calculated for baseline to 10-14.9-year (M = 11.04) follow-up and baseline to ≥15-year (M = 18.62) follow-up changes in the use of binge eating, multiple purging, self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, diet pills, compensatory exercising, fasting/dieting, and multiple DEBs; Cohen's d was used for continuous binge-eating plus purging variable changes. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses tested whether eating disorder (ED) clinical sample versus nonclinical sample status, female versus male sex/gender, higher versus lower study bias, and baseline mean age and body mass index influenced overall effect magnitude for analyses with sufficient data. Seventeen studies (26 [sub]samples) were included. Overall, individuals' risk of engaging in various restrictive eating and other compensatory behaviors decreased over time and the magnitudes of risk reductions for the use of certain compensatory DEBs were larger over longer follow-up durations. Specifically, for significant DEB change models, risk reductions spanned from 20.0-39.8% for 10-year follow-up and 24.7-74.8% for ≥15-year follow-up. However, nuances were found in the nature of these DEB changes as a function of DEB type, follow-up length, ED versus nonclinical sample composition, and baseline mean age. These findings provide important information that can help identify treatment priorities and suggest that targeted and tailored preventative ED treatments warrant consistent implementation at the community-level, particularly for youth.

Associations between ergogenic supplement use and eating behaviors among university students

ABSTRACT Ergogenic supplements to improve athletic performance are commonly used among college athletes, but little is known about their association with eating disorder symptoms. The objective of this study was to examine associations between ergogenic supplement use and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors among university students, and to compare differences by sex. Undergraduate students from 10 top-ranked National College Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I colleges completed an online survey on supplement use, athletic activities, and eating attitudes and behaviors. Among 1633 university students, males (38.9%) reported higher rates of current supplement use than females (15.2%) (p < .001). In linear regression models adjusting for athletic status and body mass index, current supplement use was associated with higher Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) Global, Shape Concern, and Restraint scores in both males and females. Supplement use was associated with driven/compelled exercise (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.33–2.99) in males and diuretic (OR 6.39, 95% CI 2.02–20.22) and diet pill use (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.79–5.27) in females. Results suggest ergogenic supplement use is common in undergraduates and associated with disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. Clinicians should screen for disordered eating behaviors particularly in young adults who use ergogenic supplements.

Diet Pill and Laxative Use for Weight Control and Subsequent Incident Eating Disorder in US Young Women: 2001-2016.

Objectives. To investigate the prospective association of diet pill and laxative use for weight control with subsequent first eating disorder diagnosis in young women.Methods. We used longitudinal data from 10 058 US women spanning 2001 through 2016. We used multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and overweight status to estimate the association between weight-control behaviors and subsequent eating disorder diagnosis.Results. Among those who had not previously received an eating disorder diagnosis, women who reported diet pill (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.0, 10.5) or laxative (AOR = 6.0; 95% CI = 4.2, 8.7) use for weight control had higher odds of receiving a subsequent first eating disorder diagnosis within 1 to 3 years than those who did not report using these products.Conclusions. Use of diet pills or laxatives for weight loss can be dangerous and may be a warning sign that warrants counseling and evaluation for the presence of or risk of developing an eating disorder.Public Health Implications. Policymakers and public health professionals should develop and evaluate policy initiatives to reduce or prohibit access to diet pills and laxatives abused for weight control.

Relationship between unhealthy weight control behaviors and substance use patterns among Korean adolescents: results from the 2017 national youth risk behavior survey

ObjectiveUnhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) can lead to numerous health problems. Adolescents who engage in UWCB are more likely to abuse substances than other adolescents. However, few studies have examined the relationship between UWCB and substance use, despite the fact that their co-occurrence can result in greater morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to examine the association between UWCB and substance use patterns among Korean adolescents using nationally representative data. Study designThis study involved an analysis of statistical data collected from 27,284 adolescent participants (13–18 years old) in the 2017 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. MethodsThe Chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to demonstrate the association between substance use patterns (energy drink intake, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, electronic cigarette use, and drug use) and UWCB (one-food diets, fasting, diet pill use, and purging). All statistical analyses were performed to reflect complex sampling weights. ResultsMore female than male adolescents reported to be engaged in any of the following UWCBs: one-food diets (female: 9.6%, male: 4.8%), fasting (female: 11.6%, male: 7.4%), diet pill use (female: 2.9%, male: 1.5%), and purging (female: 4.1%, male: 2.2%). The prevalence of all UWCBs tended to increase as energy drink intake (P < 0.001), cigarette smoking (P < 0.001), and electronic cigarette use (P < 0.001) increased. ConclusionsHealth professionals who work with adolescents need to be aware of the importance of screening for UWCB, including one-food diets, fasting, diet pill use, and purging, especially as a co-occurrence with substance use.

Examination of Eating Disorder Risk among Female College Athletes and Performers

The demands of being a female college athlete/performer may create mental and physical stress that may increase the likelihood of eating disorders and disordered eating. PURPOSE: The overall purpose was to examine the prevalence of Eating Disorder (ED) risk among female college athletes/performers across academic status and sport type (equestrian, volleyball, beach volleyball, women’s soccer, softball, and ballet). METHODS: Data from a larger cross sectional was used. A convenience sample of NCAA Division I female athletes/performers (n=127; age: 19.8±2.0 years; weight: 63.6±9.2 kg, height: 163.9±28.8 cm) from a University in the southeastern region of the United States participated in the study. Participants completed a basic demographic survey, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), and the EDI-3 Symptoms Checklist (SC). Basic descriptive stats were used for demographic information. Cross-tabulations were used to examine the proportion of participants classified as “at risk for EDI-3 and EDI-3 SC” across sport and academic status. RESULTS: Significant differences [Χ2(15, N=127) = 25.2, P=0.04] were found between the distribution of ED risk and sport with 18.9% (n=24) at risk for EDI-3; 29.9% (N=38) EDI-3 SC, and 31.5% (n=40) were at risk for both EDI-3 and EDI-3 SC. Overall, pathogenic behaviors revealed: 52.8% (n=66) dieting, 13.6% (n=17) exercise 50-100% of the time to lose weight, 20% (n=25) binge eating, 13.6% (n=17) purging, 4.0% (n=5) laxatives, 7.2% (n=9) diet pill use, and 1.6% (n=2) use diuretics. A significant difference between dieting and sport [Χ2(5, N=125) = 12.2, P=0.03] was found with the highest prevalence within equestrian (16%, n=20/28) and ballet (13.6%, n=17/29). Sport type and exercise to control weight more than 50-100% of the time was significantly different [Χ2(20, N=125) = 54.1, P≤0.01] with the highest prevalence within equestrian (10.4%, n=13/29). CONCLUSIONS: Athletes in the college setting are at risk for eating disorders. Medical professionals such as athletic trainers who work within this setting need to be educated on the potential risk factors that can lead to EDs. There should be a referral process in place for those athletes who are at risk. Those involved in the screening, prevention, and treatment of at-risk athletes should understand the sensitive nature of the topic.

Dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors among a sample of U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOnline dating has become increasingly popular over the years. Few research studies have examined the association between dating apps and disordered eating. In this study, we evaluated the association between dating app use and unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) among a sample of U.S. adults.MethodsOur sample includes 1769 adults who completed an online survey assessing dating app use and UWCBs in the past year. Survey assessed participants’ self-reported frequency of using dating apps within the past 30 days and engagement in six UWCBs with the purpose of lowering weight or changing their body shape within the past 12 months. UWCBs included vomiting, laxative use, fasting, diet pill use, muscle building supplement use, and use of anabolic steroids.ResultsResults of multivariate logistic regression models suggest dating app users had substantially elevated odds of UWCBs compared with non-users (odds ratios [OR] range = 2.7—16.2). These findings were supported by results of additional gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression analyses among women and men.ConclusionsThis study’s findings contribute to the limited literature exploring the association between dating app use and adverse health outcomes, particularly UWCBs. While additional longitudinal and representative research is needed, public health professionals ought to explore dating app use as a potential risk factor for UWCBs.