Reducing Eating Disorder Symptoms and Risk Factors Using the Internet: A Meta-Analytic Review

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analytic review was, first, to evaluate the efficacy of Internet-based programs in decreasing eating disorder (ED) symptoms, and, second, to identify moderator variables these effects. Method: Twenty studies were identified and between-group effect sizes were calculated for ED symptoms and risk factors. Results: Compared with control conditions, Internet-based programs successfully decreased body dissatisfaction (d=0.28, 95% CI [0.15-0.41], p<.001), internalization of the thin ideal (d=0.36, 95% CI [0.07-0.65], p<.05), shape and weight concern (d=0.42, 95% CI [0.13-0.71], p<.05), dietary restriction (d=0.36, 95% CI [0.23-0.49], p<.001), drive for thinness (d=0.47, 95% CI [0.33-0.60], p<.001), bulimic symptoms (d=0.31, 95% CI [0.20-0.41], p<.001), purging frequency (d=0.30, 95% CI [0.02-0.57], p<.05), and negative affect (d=0.32, 95% CI [0.12-0.52], p<.001). Moderator analyses revealed no impact of data analytic strategy on intervention effects. Similarly, participant risk status was not a moderator for most outcomes. Discussion: Internet-based programs are successful in decreasing ED symptoms and risk factors with small to moderate between-group effect sizes.