Prevalence and Risk Factors for Eating Disorders in Adolescents Aged Between 12 to 18 Years Old in Manteigas, Portugal

Background: Rapid modifications in physical appearance such as size and body shape make adolescents especially vulnerable to social influences that may lead to the development of body image dissatisfaction, a major risk factor for the development of eating disorders. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of eating disorders, seeking to relate to possible risk factors. Methods: The study included 107 students, 59,8% (64/107) were female, with mean age of 14,4 years (SD = 1,82). Data was collected directly through an online guided protocol, which included five questionnaires: (a) sociodemographic, (b) eating behaviours, (c) susceptibility to sociocultural pressures and thin-ideal internalization, (d) parent and peer attachment and (e) eating behaviours and attitudes. Results and Conclusions: One case of eating disorder not otherwise specified and one possible case of bulimia nervosa were detected. After stratification by risk levels, the higher risk group presented a statistically significant higher body mass index, higher level of knowledge and internalisation of sociocultural influences and worse quality of attachment relationships with the parents. The most significant risk predictors were: female sex, internalisation of the sociocultural ideals of beauty and the attachment relationship to the mother. Thus, prevention programs focused on early promotion of positive body image are warranted. It would be important to intervene in the main contexts of adolescent socialization (schools and family).