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Possible risk factors in the development of eating disorders in overweight pre-adolescent girls

International Journal of Obesity volume 26, pages 1268–1273 (2002)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate concerns about weight, shape and eating, dietary restraint, self-esteem and symptoms of depression in overweight girls. To investigate the relationship between concerns and self-esteem and depressive symptoms in this group.

METHOD: Eighteen overweight girls and 18 average-weight girls completed the child version of the Eating Disorders Examination, the Harter Self-Perception Profile and the Short Moods and Feelings Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Overweight girls had more concerns about weight, shape and eating and attempted dietary restraint more often. They had more negative self-esteem related to their athletic competence, physical appearance and global self-worth and more symptoms of depression. There was an association between concerns and self-esteem based on physical appearance in the overweight group.

CONCLUSION: Overweight girls show some of the psychological features associated with the development of eating disorders, including a link between concerns and self-esteem based on physical appearance. This may help to explain why childhood obesity increases the risk of a later eating disorder.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rowden House, Chippenham, UK

    A Burrows

  2. Isis Education Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK

    M Cooper

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  1. A Burrows
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  2. M Cooper
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Correspondence to M Cooper.

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Burrows, A., Cooper, M. Possible risk factors in the development of eating disorders in overweight pre-adolescent girls. Int J Obes 26, 1268–1273 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802033

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