Preoccupation with weight and disordered eating behaviors of entering students at a university in Lebanon.
Author: Afifi Soweid RA, Najem Kteily MB, Shediac Rizkallah MC.
Source:
International Journal of Eating Disorders, 32(1), 52-57.
OBJECTIVES: This research explores the prevalence of preoccupation with weight
indicators and disordered eating behaviors among entering university students,
and identifies factors associated with these indicators and behaviors. METHOD:
Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Comparisons
were made by gender, mother's education, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: The
final sample included 954 students. The indicators held most "often" included a
desire to be thinner, and an awareness of caloric content. The behaviors engaged
in "most" often included strenuous exercising, and avoiding particular foods.
Both indicators and behaviors varied by gender and body mass index. DISCUSSION:
The prevalence of indicators and behaviors is high. Body mass index is a critical
variable to consider in the development of interventions. Further research should
explore the context surrounding these indicators and behaviors.