Eating disorders (ED) are a public health problem which it has been increasing. The
aim of this study was to estimate the vulnerability of university students to an ED. We worked
with a probabilistic sample of 561 students (Mage = 21.7; SD = 4.1), 42.8% men and 57.2% women.
They completed the Inventory Eating Disorder-Reference criterion (EDI-3-RF), also we took
anthropometric measures. The results show that: women have a significantly more obsession
with thinness and body dissatisfaction; the students under 20 years old showed significant more
bulimic behaviors; men prefer to do physical exercise as a way to control their weight; about
7.7% should be referred to a specialized center for having low weight along with excessive
concern about food and weight. It is concluded that it is necessary to implement preventive
programs and intervention measures aimed towards to the university students who promote
healthy eating habits, improve the perception of their body image and diminish the obsessive
preoccupation with thinness.
