Estimation of the population "at risk" for eating disorders in a non-clinical Swedish sample: a repeated measure study.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the late-adolescent population "at risk" for eating disorders (EDs), establish its stability over time using repeated measures, and analyse its social and demographic background factors.

METHOD

The Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and a number of related questions were administered to students in their last year of high school in five Swedish towns in 1993 (n=3855) and 1998 (n=2925).

RESULTS

It was found that 6% of girls were "at risk" for eating disorders with no increase over time. There was an association between this risk and certain socio-demographic factors (living alone, moving away from home early, excessive physical training and experiences of bullying). No differences were found between cities of different size.

CONCLUSION

A considerable proportion of girls in late adolescence are preoccupied with weight and dieting, and may be considered "at risk" for developing a clinical eating disorder. This proportion seems to be fairly stable over time.