Racial Differences in Psychological Symptoms and Eating Behaviors Among Bariatric Surgery Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Black patients typically lose less weight than White patients following bariatric surgery; however, the reasons for this racial disparity are unclear. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate whether there are differences in psychiatric symptoms and problematic eating behaviors between White and Black patients pursuing bariatric surgery as this may aid in understanding postsurgical weight loss disparities and inform psychosocial assessment of bariatric candidates. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of participants (N = 284) who completed a psychological evaluation prior to surgery. Information collected included history of binge eating and purging as well as data from measures administered (i.e., the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Emotional Eating Scale, and the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0). RESULTS: White patients reported higher levels of eating in response to anger/frustration (p = .03) and eating in response to depression (p = .01) than Black patients. White patients also reported more symptoms of food addiction, a difference that was trending toward significance (p = .05). No significant differences were found on measures of anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION: White patients appear to have higher levels of presurgical problematic eating as compared with Black patients pursuing bariatric surgery; thus, these measurements of problematic eating may not explain the racial disparity in outcomes. However, future research should determine whether measures are valid among diverse populations and identify additional factors that may contribute to racial disparities in bariatric outcomes.

Cross-cultural validation of the short version of the Food Disgust Scale in ten countries.

The cross-cultural testing of scales represents an important step in the scale validation process. The present study evaluated whether the eight-item short version of the recently developed Food Disgust Scale (FDS-short) is a reliable and valid tool for measuring food disgust sensitivity in ten countries: Australia, China, England, France, Germany, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and the USA. In an online survey, the participants (N = 6128) answered items from the FDS-short and other scales related to (food) disgust sensitivity so as to test the construct and criterion validity of the FDS-short. Confirmatory factor analysis of the one-factor structure of the FDS-short revealed an adequate to good model fit in all the countries except for China. Multiple group analysis to test measurement invariance showed the FDS-short to be metrically invariant in all the tested countries (except for China) relative to Australia. With regard to the construct validity, significant positive correlations were observed in all the countries between the FDS-short and pathogen disgust sensitivity, sexual disgust sensitivity, moral disgust sensitivity, germ aversion, and food neophobia. Criterion validity of the FDS-short in all the tested countries was confirmed by the positive correlations between it and having a sensitive stomach, experiencing gastrointestinal complaints after eating animal-based foods (except for France and Germany), and the perceived infection risk of food-borne diseases in one's country. The direction of the correlations indicated that for each country, those with higher FDS-short scores also scored higher on all the tested constructs than those with lower FDS-short scores. Taken together, the present results indicate that the FDS-short is a reliable and valid tool for assessing food disgust sensitivity across countries.

Extreme Weight Loss Behaviors in Racially Diverse Urban Adolescents.

PURPOSE: Extreme weight loss behaviors (EWLBs) pose a serious health risk to adolescents. Studies suggest a link between EWLBs and other health-compromising behaviors. Extending these findings, this study examines correlates of EWLB in a predominantly minority adolescent population. METHODS: A secondary analysis of EWLB data from adolescents in an inner city pediatric emergency department was conducted. The sample (n = 3,876) included 60% African-American, 20% Hispanic, 16% Caucasian, and 4% Asian-Pacific Islander individuals. Comparative analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were applied. RESULTS: Fifteen percent of the sample endorsed use of EWLBs; endorsement did not differ between minority and Caucasian groups, or among minority subgroups. EWLB correlates included female gender, hopelessness, abuse history, current smoking, and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Endorsement of EWLBs is not different between minority and Caucasian adolescents surveyed in an emergency department. Identified correlates are potential targets for prevention and early intervention.

Does the rise in eating disorders lead to increasing risk of orthorexia nervosa? Correlations with gender, education, and body mass index.

Investigating eating disorders and orthorexia nervosa, especially in the young population, is an important step in taking protective precautions and identifying disease. This study was carried out to determine the relationship of eating disorders and orthorexia nervosa to gender, BMI, and field of study in a population of university students in Turkey. In all, 900 university students aged 17-23 years participated in this study. EAT-40 and ORTO-15, which are validated instruments for the screening of participants with anormal eating behaviors and orthorexia nervosa, respectively, were used. There was not a significant difference in EAT-40 scores according to gender and BMI classification. However, EAT-40 scores were high among the students in social science. The number of orthorectic participants among women is higher than that among men, and ORTO-15 scores were not associated with BMI classification and field of study. A significant negative correlation was found between EAT-40 and ORTO-15 scores.

Risk behaviors for eating disorder: factors associated in adolescent students / Comportamentos de risco para transtorno alimentar: fatores associados em adolescentes escolares

INTRODUCTION: 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. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of body dissatisfaction, psychological commitment to exercise, body fat, nutritional status, economic class, and ethnicity with RBED in adolescents. METHOD: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSION: Even though body dissatisfaction had the highest odds ratio, other variables were also associated with RBED (AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: Evidências demonstram que a prevalência de comportamentos de risco para condutas de alimentação inapropriada (CAI) entre jovens tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Tem sido proposto que a insatisfação corporal, a prática excessiva de exercício físico, a composição corporal, o nível econômico e a origem étnica podem ser fatores de risco para CAI. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação de insatisfação corporal, grau de comprometimento psicológico ao exercício (GCPE), adiposidade corporal, estado nutricional, nível econômico e etnia com CAI em adolescentes. MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 562 jovens, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 10 e 15 anos. Utilizou-se o Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) para avaliar CAI. O Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) e a Commitment Exercise Scale (CES) foram utilizadas para mensurar insatisfação corporal e GCPE, respectivamente. Aferiram-se dobras cutâneas para classificar a adiposidade corporal segundo o sexo. Peso e estatura foram aferidos para calcular o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e determinar o estado nutricional. Nível econômico foi avaliado de acordo com o Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil. Aplicou-se questionário para avaliar etnia, idade e sexo. Conduziu-se regressão logística binária para determinar associações entre as variáveis da pesquisa. RESULTADOS: Houve associação de CAI com insatisfação corporal, GCPE e nível econômico no sexo feminino (p < 0,05). Entre os meninos, insatisfação corporal, adiposidade corporal e estado nutricional estiveram associados a CAI (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Embora a insatisfação corporal tenha apresentado os maiores valores de odds ratio, , outras variáveis também estiveram associadas a CAI (AU)

Disordered eating behaviors in young adult Mexican American women: prevalence and associations with health risks.

Recent research has shown that disordered eating behaviors are as prevalent in heterogenous samples of Latinas living in the U.S. as in non-Hispanic white women, yet less is known about the prevalence in women of Mexican origin. The primary purpose of this study is to report the prevalence and associations among DE behaviors and health risk of alcohol, tobacco use and obesity in a sample of N = 472 young adult college enrolled Mexican American (MA) women living in the United States. This report focuses on baseline data from a 12-month repeated measures longitudinal study. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to capture the prevalence of disordered eating and health risk behaviors in the context of everyday activities. Disordered eating behaviors including purging, binge eating, fasting and exercise were reported by approximately 15% of the sample. Food/calorie restricting, was the most prevalent behavior reported by 48% of the sample and along with binge eating was a positive predictor of BMI. Fasting was the only disordered eating behavior associated with tobacco use. These findings suggest that subclinical levels of DE behaviors are prevalent in a community sample of women of Mexican origin and are associated with health risks of tobacco use and higher BMI. Early identification of DE behaviors and community-based interventions targeting MA women may help reduce disparities associated with overweight and obesity in this population.

Behavioral risk factors and mental health: single and cluster associations in Spanish adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The risk factors associated with mental health in adolescents are not well known in the general population of Mediterranean countries. Therefore, this study aimed to identify individual and clustered behavioral risk factors for psychological distress. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted between 2008 and 2009 among 4054 students representative of those in the fourth year of secondary education in the region of Madrid (Spain). Mental health was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire, with psychological distress defined as a score ≥3. The analyses were performed with logistic regression and adjusted for the main confounders. RESULTS: Psychological distress was more frequent in those who did insufficient physical activity (odds ratio [OR], 1.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.47), smokers (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.07-1.59), and users of illegal drugs (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.21-1.76). Psychological distress also showed a positive dose-response relationship with the number of risk behaviors for eating disorders (p for linear trend <0.001). Moreover, it was associated with both thin (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.16-1.62) or very thin body image (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.39-3.32) and perceived overweight (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.40-2.15) or obesity (OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.23-4.37). Compared with individuals without classic risk behaviors (low physical activity, low consumption of fruits/vegetables, smoking, high-risk alcohol consumption), frequency of psychological distress was higher in those with 2 risk behaviors (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.19-1.82) and was even greater in those with 3 or 4 risk behaviors (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.21-2.01). CONCLUSIONS: During adolescence, psychological distress is associated with lifestyles, body image, and eating behaviors. Clustering of classic risk behaviors increases the likelihood of poor mental health.

Weight-related behaviors among non-overweight adolescents: results from the Korean national survey from 2005 to 2007.

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of overweight misperception, unhealthy diet practices, and factors associated with these weight-related behaviors among Korean adolescents. The subjects were a nationally representative sample of non-overweight students (52,515 in 2005, 64,084 in 2006, and 67,113 in 2007) in middle and high schools who completed the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey. The prevalence of weight-related behaviors and factors associated with these behaviors were assessed using a complex sampling design. Of non-overweight students, 14.9% of boys and 22.2% of girls reported their weight as overweight/obese. Dieting within the last year was reported by 19.8% of boys and 41.8% of girls. Of those who attempted dieting, 17.1% of boys and 24.6% of girls indicated practicing at least one unhealthy diet behavior within the last month. Overweight misperceptions were independently associated with diet attempts and unhealthy diets after adjustment for weight status, and demographic, social, and psychological factors. Additionally, these weight-related behaviors were also associated with psychosocial factors such as low school achievement, sadness, suicidal ideation, increased stress perception, and cigarette or alcohol use. In conclusion, the high prevalence of inappropriate weight-related behaviors suggests a need for comprehensive approaches to improve weight-related behaviors in non-overweight Korean adolescents.

Behavioral symptoms of eating disorders in Native Americans: results from the ADD Health Survey Wave III.

OBJECTIVE: To examine prevalence and correlates (gender, Body Mass Index) of disordered eating in American Indian/Native American (AI/NA) and white young adults. METHOD: We examined data from the 10,334 participants (mean age 21.93 years, SD = 1.8) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (ADD Health) Wave III for gender differences among AI/NA participants (236 women, 253 men) and ethnic group differences on measures of eating pathology. RESULTS: Among AI/NA groups, women were significantly more likely than men to report loss of control and embarrassment due to overeating. In gender-stratified analyses, a significantly higher prevalence of AI/NA women reported disordered eating behaviors compared with white women; there were no between group differences in prevalence for breakfast skipping or having been diagnosed with an eating disorder. Among men, disordered eating behaviors were uncommon and no comparison was statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Our study offers a first glimpse into the problem of eating pathology among AI/NA individuals. Gender differences among AI/NA participants are similar to results reported in white samples. That AI/NA women were as likely as white women to have been diagnosed with an eating disorder is striking in light of well documented under-utilization of mental health care among AI/NA individuals.

La construcción cultural del cuerpo: el paradigma de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria / The cultural body building: the paradigm of eating disorders

Background: Ideal body image building is based on values, beliefs and aesthetic patterns characteristic of our western society where eating disorders (ED) emerge. Objective: To describe factors related to cultural body building in ED. Method: An exhaustive review of the evidence within specialized national and international literature was made. Results: Western contemporary beauty model promotes a thin body image, synonym of success, attractiveness and intelligence, mainly seen in the upper social class, emphasized by the media, modeling, publicity and the narcissistic cult of the body, predisposing to ED. Individual factors also contributes to the cultural body building like gender differences (95 percent of ED cases are females), the predominant identification with the feminine gender role stereotype, the higher prevalence in white ethnic groups, the relevant influence of the family and friends concerning weight, silhouette and food, criticism and bullying from the significant others, the social reinforcement with respect to biological and/or emotional changes in adolescence, perfectionism traits and affiliation to "pro-ana" and "pro-mia" web sites. Conclusions: The internalization of socioculturalpressures generates negative and distorted consequences in feminine bodies, especially in adolescents and young adult females in risk to develop ED. Primary prevention and psychoeducative strategies are necessary to manage the media messages focused on body perfection in a healthier style.

Antecedentes: La construcción de la imagen corporal ideal se basa en valores, creencias y patrones estéticos característicos de nuestra sociedad occidental, en cuyo contexto emergen los trastornos alimentarios (TCA). Objetivo: Describir los factores que contribuyen a la construcción cultural del cuerpo en los TCA. Método: Se efectuó una revisión exhaustiva de la evidencia en la literatura especializada nacional e internacional. Resultados: El modelo de belleza occidental contemporáneo promueve una silueta corporal delgada, sinónimo de éxito, atractivo e inteligencia, observada principalmente en la clase social alta, enfatizada por el modelaje, los medios de comunicación, la publicidad y el culto narcisista al cuerpo, predisponiendo al desarrollo de los TCA. También contribuyen a la construcción cultural del cuerpo, factores individuales, tales como las diferencias genéricas (95 por ciento de los casos de TCA afectan a mujeres), la identificación predominante con el estereotipo de rol de género femenino, la mayor prevalencia en la raza blanca, la relevante influencia de la familia y las amistades sobre el peso, silueta y alimentos, las críticas y/o burlas de los otros significativos, el reforzamiento social respecto a los cambios biológicos y emocionales de la adolescencia, los rasgos perfeccionistas y la filiación a los sitios web "pro-ana" y "pro-mia". Conclusiones: La internalización de las presiones socioculturales genera consecuencias negativas y distorsionadas en los cuerpos femeninos, especialmente en mujeres adolescentes y adultas jóvenes en riesgo para desarrollar TCA. Son necesarias las estrategias de prevención primaria y psicoeducación para manejar en un estilo más sano los mensajes mediáticos enfocados en la perfección corporal.

Abnormal eating attitudes in Mexican female students: a study of prevalence and sociodemographic-clinical associated factors.

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes (AEA) in Mexican high school and university students in the city of San Luis Potosí, Mexico. By means of a transversal study with a weighted, random and multistage sampling process, we analyzed a representative sample of female students (N= 2006). The instrument was the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2), validated in Mexican population and a questionnaire of sociodemographic data. The prevalence of AEA was 12.6% and its frequency was significantly higher in high school than in university students. AEA cases were uniformly distributed among public and private institutions and a highly significant relationship between substances consumption and AEA was observed. A logistic regression model for AEA was obtained. Therefore, a profile of highly AEA was built based on sociodemographic data and a solid instrument validated in Mexican population, which can be employed as a screening and secondary prevention tool to design public health programs.

Body image perception and the risk of unhealthy behaviours among University students / La percepción de la Imagen corporal y el riesgo de conductas malsanas entre los estudiantes Universitarios

BACKGROUND: In this study, we sought to determine whether dissatisfaction with one's body was associated with unhealthy behaviours among University students. SUBJECTIS AND MEHOTDS: A cross-section of 383 male and female students recruited from the general University population completed a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic items, Eating Attitudes Test (EATS-26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16), Body Silhouette Chart, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D). RESULTS: Overall, 4.2% of participants reported to have been diagnosed with an eating problem. Females had significantly higher EATS-26, BSQ-16 and RSE scores than males. They were significantly more likely than males to choose silhouettes that were underweight to represent their current or desired body sizes and to engage in dieting behaviours. Additionally, persons who reported being diagnosed with an eating disorder were significantly more likely than those not diagnosed to report binging, bulimic and other eating-related behaviours (p < 0.01). For both males and females, perceived body image was significantly and positively associated with BSQ-16, EATS-26, and CES-D and inversely associated with RSE scores. Females of African-descent were significantly more likely than those of East Indian descent and other ethnic groups to report higher weights and to select larger silhouettes to represent their current body figure. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants, body dissatisfaction was associated with increased risk for depression, lower self-esteem, disordered eating and other weight related behaviours.

ANTECEDENTES: En este estudio, buscamos determinar si la insatisfacción con el propio cuerpo se hallaba asociada con conductas malsanas entre los estudiantes universitarios. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: Una sección transversal de 383 estudiantes - hembras y varones - reclutados de la población universitaria general, respondieron un cuestionario sobre información socio-demográfica, el Test de Actitudes hacia la Comida (EATS-26), el Cuestionario sobre la Forma Corporal (BSQ-16), la Gráfica de Silueta Corporal, la Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg (RSE), y la Escala de Depresión del Centro de Estudios Epidemiológicos (CES-D). RESULTADOS: En general, 4.2% de los participantes reportó que se le habían diagnosticado algún problema de hábito de ingestión. Las mujeres tenían puntuaciones de EATS-26, BSQ-16 y RSE significativamente más altas que los hombres. Asimismo presentaban una tendencia significativamente mayor que los hombres, a escoger figuras corporales de bajo peso, a la hora de representar las dimensiones corporales que tenían o deseaban, o establecer comportamientos dietéticos. Además, las personas que reportaron haber sido diagnosticadas con algún trastorno alimentario, presentaron una tendencia significativamente mayor que las no diagnosticadas de ese modo, a reportar hiperfagia, bulimia y otros comportamientos relacionados con la ingestión (p < 0.01). Tanto para los hombres como para las mujeres, la percepción de la imagen corporal estuvo significativamente y positivamente asociada con las puntuaciones de BSQ-16, EATS-26, y CES-D e inversamente asociada con las puntuaciones del RSE. Las mujeres de ascendencia africana presentaron una tendencia significativamente más alta que las de ascendencia indoriental y otras razas, a reportar pesos más altos y a elegir siluetas más grandes a la hora de presentar su figura corporal actual. CONCLUSIONES: Entre los participantes, la insatisfacción corporal estuvo asociada con el aumento del riesgo de depresión, baja autoestima, trastornos alimentarios y otras conductas relaciones con el peso.

Eating attitudes and body image in ethnic Japanese and Caucasian adolescent girls in the city of São Paulo, Brazil / Atitudes alimentares e imagem corporal em meninas adolescentes de ascendência nipônica e caucasiana em São Paulo (SP)

OBJETIVO: Há muita controvérsia nos estudos que analisam a relação entre etnia e transtornos alimentares a despeito do rápido aumento desses distúrbios em diversos grupos étnicos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar as atitudes alimentares em adolescentes de ascendência nipônica e caucasiana no Brasil. A influência do índice de massa corporal (IMC), da menarca e das relações socioafetivas no desenvolvimento dos transtornos alimentares também foi discutida. MÉTODOS: Questionários sobre atitudes alimentares e influências socioafetivas foram aplicados a 544 adolescentes de origem nipo-brasileira e caucasiana: adolescentes pré-menarca de 10 e 11 anos nipo-brasileiras (n = 122) e caucasianas (n = 176) e adolescentes pós-menarca de 16 e 17 anos nipo-brasileiras (n = 71) e caucasianas (n = 175). RESULTADOS: Adolescentes caucasianas apresentaram maiores escores no Teste de Atitudes Alimentares (EAT-26), mostraram maior insatisfação com suas imagens corporais, faziam mais dieta e tinham mais modelos de dietas representados pelas mães e pares do que as adolescentes nipo-brasileiras. CONCLUSÃO: As adolescentes caucasianas, de um modo geral, parecem sentir mais as pressões culturais e estéticas sobre a imagem corporal do que as nipônicas. A frequência alta de meninas caucasianas pré-menarca com escore acima de 20 no EAT-26 mostra que a preocupação com a imagem corporal vem ocorrendo cada vez mais cedo. A análise de regressão múltipla revelou muitas associações entre a interação das adolescentes com suas mães e o desenvolvimento de atitudes alimentares inadequadas.

OBJECTIVE: Despite investigations into the rapid increase in eating disorders across diverse ethnic groups, conclusions concerning ethnicity and eating disorders are contradictory. The objective of the present study was to investigate eating attitudes in ethnic Japanese and Caucasian adolescents in Brazil. The influence of body mass index (BMI), menarche and social-affective relationships on the development of eating disorders was also assessed. METHODS: Questionnaires evaluating the incidence of eating disorders and the influence of social-affective relationships were applied to 544 Japanese-Brazilian and Caucasian adolescent girls: 10 to 11-year-old Japanese-Brazilian (n = 122) and Caucasian (n = 176) pre-menarcheal adolescents, and 16 to 17-year-old Japanese-Brazilian (n = 71) and Caucasian (n = 175) post-menarcheal adolescents. RESULTS: Caucasian girls obtained higher scores on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), showed greater body image dissatisfaction, dieted more often and had more diet models introduced by their mothers and peers than the Japanese-Brazilian girls. CONCLUSION: The Caucasian adolescents overall appeared to be more sensitive to aesthetic and social pressures regarding body image than the Japanese adolescents. The high incidence of EAT-26 scores above 20 in the Caucasian pre-menarcheal group indicates that individual body image concerns are developing at an earlier age. Multiple logistic regression revealed several associations between mother-teen interactions and the development of abnormal eating attitudes.

Perceptions of food and eating among Chinese patients with cancer: findings of an ethnographic study.

This article explores the ways that participants in a Chinese cancer support group talk about food, diet, and eating. An ethnographic research design was used, including participant observation at a Chinese cancer support group over an 8-month period and key informant interviews with 7 members of the group. Food, eating, and diet were a recurrent focus of discussion at support group meetings throughout the fieldwork period. The ways in which support group participants talked about food centered on 3 distinct but interconnected themes: the prevalence of eating issues as an adverse effect of cancer and its treatment, the importance of eating ability, and questions and concerns connected with the differing and often contradictory cultural models of diet that they were exposed to. Culturally specific understandings of the relationship between food and health informed Chinese patients' experience of eating issues during cancer treatments and their ongoing concern with food and nutrition after the completion of treatment. Health professionals need to pay more attention to the meanings and attributes of food and eating beyond their physiological properties, and further research needs to be conducted with other immigrant populations with culturally distinct understandings of food.

Fatores preditivos para transtornos alimentares em universitárias do curso de nutrição da Unijuí, Ijuí,RS / Predictive factors for eating disorders in the course of university nutrition at Unijuí, Ijuí, RS / Los factores predictivos de los trastornos alimentarios en el curso de nutrición universitaria en Unijuí, Ijuí, RS

Introdução: Os transtornos alimentares são definidos como desvios do comportamento alimentar que podem levar à caquexia ou à obesidade, entre outros problemas físicos e incapacidades sócio-ocupacionais. Objetivo: Avaliar a presença de fatores preditivos de transtornos alimentares em estudantes de nutrição da Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul- UNIJUI. Método: Foi aplicado o questionário Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), instrumento que contém 26 perguntas sobre o comportamento alimentar e imagem corporal, podendo variar de 0 a 78 pontos, sendo que foi considerado risco para transtorno um somatório > a 20. Dados como massa corporal e estatura foram auto-referidos. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 116 universitárias, destas 18,1% consideradas EAT (+) e 81,9% EAT(-), na faixa etária entre 20 e 30 anos, com renda entre 3 a 4,9 salários mínimos. A massa corporal nas EAT(+) variou de 44 a 80kg e nas EAT9-) variou de 43 a 82kg. Tanto EAT(+) quanto EAT(-) encontram-se em eutrofia, sendo 81% e 82,1%, respectivamente. Os principais fatores preditivos para transtornos alimentares citados pelo maior número de estudantes com EAT(+) foram: preocupação com a gordura corporal (100%), pavor com o excesso de peso (90,5%), conhecimento sobre o número de calorias dos alimentos que comem (85,7%), preocupação com o desejo de ser mais magra (80,9%). Conclusão: Conclui-se que há um valor expressivo de estudantes de nutrição com fatores preditivos para transtornos alimentares.

Introduction: Eating disorders are defined as deviations in eating behavior that can lead to cachexia or obesity, among other physical and socio-occupational disabilities. Objective: To evaluate the presence of factors predictive of eating disorders in students of nutrition at the University of the West Regional of Rio Grande do Sul-UNIJUÍ. Method: We used the questionnaire Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), an instrument that contains 26 questions on eating behavior and body image, ranging from 0 to 78 points, and was considered a risk for disorder sum> 20. Data such as body mass and height were self-referred. Results: Participants were 116 university students, 18.1% of these considered EAT (+) and 81.9% TSS (-), aged between 20 and 30 years, with income between 3 to 4.9 minimum wages. Body mass in EAT (+) ranged from 44 to 80kg and the EAT9-) ranged from 43 to 82kg. Both EAT (+) and EAT (-) are eutrophic, 81% and 82.1%, respectively. The main predictive factors for eating disorders cited by the largest number of students with EAT (+) were concerned with body fat (100%), with fear being overweight (90.5%), knowledge about the number of calories from eat foods (85.7%), concern the desire to be thinner (80.9%). Conclusion: We conclude that there is a significant value for students of nutrition with predictive factors for eating disorders.

Introducción: Los trastornos alimentarios se definen como las desviaciones en la conducta alimentaria que puede conducir a la caquexia o la obesidad, entre otras discapacidades físicas y socio-laborales. Objetivo: Evaluar la presencia de factores predictivos de los trastornos alimentarios en estudiantes de nutrición de la Universidad de la Regional Oeste de Río Grande do Sul-UNIJUÍ. Método: Se utilizó el cuestionario de Actitudes Comer prueba (EAT), un instrumento que contiene 26 preguntas sobre la conducta alimentaria y la imagen corporal, que van de 0 a 78 puntos, y fue considerado un riesgo para el trastorno de suma> 20. Datos como la masa corporal y la altura se auto-referencia. Resultados: Los participantes fueron 116 estudiantes universitarios, el 18,1% de estos considera EAT (+) y TSS 81,9% (-), con edades comprendidas entre 20 y 30 años, con ingresos entre 3 a 4.9 salarios mínimos. De masa corporal en el EAT (+) es de 44 a 80 kg y el EAT9) varió de 43 a 82kg. Ambos EAT (+) y EAT (-) son eutróficos%, el 81 y el 82,1%, respectivamente. Los principales factores predictivos de los trastornos alimentarios citados por el mayor número de estudiantes con EAT (+) se refiere a la grasa corporal (100%), con el miedo el exceso de peso (90,5%), el conocimiento sobre el número de calorías de comer alimentos (85,7%), la preocupación del deseo de ser delgado (80,9%). Conclusión: Se concluye que existe un valor significativo para los estudiantes de la nutrición con los factores predictivos de los trastornos alimentarios.

Body image perception and the risk of unhealthy behaviours among university students.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we sought to determine whether dissatisfaction with one's body was associated with unhealthy behaviours among University students. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cross-section of 383 male and female students recruited from the general University population completed a questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic items, Eating Attitudes Test (EATS-26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-16), Body Silhouette Chart, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE) and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CES-D). RESULTS: Overall, 4.2% of participants reported to have been diagnosed with an eating problem. Females had significantly higher EATS-26, BSQ-1 6 and RSE scores than males. They were significantly more likely than males to choose silhouettes that were underweight to represent their current or desired body sizes and to engage in dieting behaviours. Additionally, persons who reported being diagnosed with an eating disorder were significantly more likely than those not diagnosed to report binging, bulimic and other eating-related behaviours (p < 0.01). For both males and females, perceived body image was significantly and positively associated with BSQ-16, EATS-26, and CES-D and inversely associated with RSE scores. Females of African-descent were significantly more likely than those of East Indian descent and other ethnic groups to report higher weights and to select larger silhouettes to represent their current body figure. CONCLUSIONS: Among participants, body dissatisfaction was associated with increased risk for depression, lower self-esteem, disordered eating and other weight related behaviours.

Anorexia em comunidades virtuais: práticas e visões culturais do corpo / Anorexia in virtual communities: practices and cultural views of the body

O presente estudo investigou as práticas alimentares, os comportamentos e os valores das integrantes de comunidades virtuais pró-anorexia. Foram analisadas duas comunidades virtuais pró-anorexia, acessadas através das seguintes palavras-chaves: “perfeição/esforço” e “anorexic”. O critério de escolha utilizado foi identificar aquela que possuía o maior número de membros. As comunidades selecionadas para o estudoatravés das palavras-chaves descritas acima possuíam, respectivamente, um total de 1.616 e 1.480 membros. A comunidade com 1616 usuários foi denominada de “Comunidade OP”. Nessa comunidade foi utilizada a metodologia de “observação passiva”, onde a pesquisadora não se identificou e não interagiu com os membros dacomunidade, somente observou. Na comunidade com 1480 integrantes foi adotada a metodologia de “observação participante protegida”, onde a pesquisadora interagiu com as demais participantes da Comunidade Virtual através de uma Identidade VirtualAnônima. Essa comunidade foi denominada neste trabalho de “Comunidade OPP”. Asobservações foram realizadas entre de Janeiro a Março de 2009. O consentimento informado não foi necessário visto que as comunidades são de domínio público e foipreservado o anonimato das participantes. O estudo verificou que as pró-anoréxicas selecionadas para análise foram, principalmente, participantes do sexo feminino comidades que variam de 13 a 24 anos e o Índice de Massa Corporal de 59,7% dasparticipantes estava classificado de acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde na faixa de normalidade. Esse resultado se mostrou contrário ao que as ‘pró-anas’ defendem que é atingir o menor peso possível e ter um corpo magro...

Comparison of eating disorders and body image disturbances between Eastern and Western countries.

Factors associated with the development of eating disorders in countries with non-Western cultures have not been adequately investigated in relation to Westernized countries. We therefore studied 243 girls [age =16.5+/-1.2 (SD)], recruited from schools in India, Tibet, the US and France. They completed the Figure Rating Scale (FRS), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Tibetan group had a lower body mass index (BMI) than the other groups (p<0.0001), which did not differ from each other. All groups differed significantly on socio-economic status (SES), with those living in India having the highest (p<0.0001). Prior to controlling for age, SES, and BMI, there were no significant differences on any psychological measure between the individual countries, or when collapsed by East vs. West. However, after controlling for the same covariates, the Tibetan group selected a significantly larger current (p<0.0001) and ideal body size (p=0.03), compared to all the other countries, and had more body image discrepancy than the American group (p=0.04). After controlling only for BMI, the girls from the East had a larger current and ideal, but no difference on body image discrepancy. Body image discrepancy scores were best predicted by EAT scores and BMI, accounting for 35% of the variance (p<0.0001). EAT scores themselves were best predicted by mother's education, BDI, body image discrepancy, and drug and tobacco use, accounting for 33% of the variance (p<0.0001). Unlike some other studies, we did not observe greater body image discrepancy and eating pathology in Western cultures, whether or not controlling for age, SES, and BMI. There were no differences in eating and depression pathology between those in the US, France, or India. Indeed, the Tibetans, after controlling for their low BMI and SES, had the greatest body image discrepancy.

Low socioeconomic status predicts abnormal eating attitudes in Latin American female adolescents.

The objective of this study was to study the proportion of Ecuadorian students fulfilling criteria on the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT) in relation to socioeconomic status. Seven hundred and twenty three female adolescent participants recruited from Quito, Ecuador were administered a brief questionnaire consisting of the EAT-40 as well as lifestyle questions. Mean EAT-40 score was 17.12, with 14% fulfilling criteria. Lower socioeconomic status and watching more television predicted higher scores; however BMI, age, and positive smoking status failed to correlate. The presently unvalidated Spanish version of the EAT-26 highly correlated with the validated EAT-40 (R=0.94). A higher than expected proportion of Ecuadorians are at risk for eating disorders, especially among lower socioeconomic groups. The EAT-26 should be considered for validation as a primary screening tool in Latin America.