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


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Rowden House, Chippenham, UK.
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Burrows
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Cooper
D000339:Affect / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires