NUTRITION STUDENTS PRESENT RISK FOR EATING DISORDERS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the image perception, body satisfaction and the risk for eating disorders among nutrition students. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study including 165 university students from a public university. Weight and height were reported by the participants and their nutritional status was assessed based on Body Mass Index (BMI) according to the WHO classification. The questionnaires Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Silhouette Matching Task (SMT), were applied. Results: A total of38.8% of the sample subjects showed image distortion, 69.7% body dissatisfaction, and 32.7% risk for eating disorders. The students with overweight and obesity were more likely to develop an eating disorder (OR: 7.91) and present image distortion (OR: 20.19).By associating the results obtained with the three instruments, only 32.1% of the subjects presented no risk for development of eating disorders. Conclusion: There was a high risk for development of eating disorders among nutrition students, as well as altered image perception and body dissatisfaction. This risk was higher among students who were overweight. DESCRIPTORS Feeding Behavior. Diet. Students. Risk. Eating Disorders.