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Prevalence and significance of weight and shape concerns in girls aged 11–16 years

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Peter J. Cooper  and
Ian Goodyer
Peter J. Cooper*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Reading
Ian Goodyer
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge
*
Professor Peter J. Cooper, Department of Psychology, University of Reading, 3 Earley Gate, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AL
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Abstract

Background

The prevalence of the core ideational component of eating disorders among the at-risk population (11 – to 16-year-old girls) is not known.

Method

A community survey of 11 – to 16-year-old girls was conducted to establish the prevalence of significant concerns about body weight and shape characteristics of eating disorders. A total of 1068 girls were screened and 368 interviewed using standardised measures.

Results

Significant weight and/or shape concerns were estimated to be present in 14.5% of the 11-to 12-year-olds, 14.9% of the 13-to 14-year-olds and 18.9% of the 15-to 16-year-olds. Only among those aged 15 to 16 was the presence of such concerns associated with a significant level of concurrent behavioural and ideational disturbance.

Conclusions

Significant concerns about weight or shape are present in almost one in five 15-to 16-year-old girls, many of whom evidence high levels of ancillary disturbance.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 6 , December 1997 , pp. 542 - 544
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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