Factors associated with abnormal eating attitudes among female college students in Japan

Objectives: To determine the prevalence rates of abnormal eating attitudes and associated risk factors among female Japanese college students. Subjects and methods: The study population was 7812 female college students in Tokyo. They were asked to fill out the Japanese version of EAT-26 and lifestyle questionnaires. Results: 5.1% of the subjects had a total EAT-26 score above the cutoff point (> 20). Multiple regression analysis found the most important factors associated with abnormal eating attitudes were distorted body image, fewer sleeping hours, irregular meal habits, cigarette smoking and more exercise. Discussion: The prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes among female college students in this study was lower than that of Japanese female high school students and lower than that reported for college students of both western and non-western countries. Our results suggest that body image dissatisfaction may be the most important factor associated with abnormal eating behavior.