Risk factors of eating disorders in university students: Estimation of vulnerability by sex and age

Abstract

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.