Primary prevention of risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls: learning from practice.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of a primary prevention program for risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls.


METHODS
Nearly 500 seventh-grade girls participated in "Full of Ourselves: Advancing Girl Power, Health, and Leadership," and were assessed at baseline, immediately after program completion, and 6 months later on several self-report measures of knowledge, body image, and eating and weight-related behaviors.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found between participants and controls on measures of knowledge and weight-related body esteem, which were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Eating related behaviors, including skipping meals and dieting, appeared unaffected by program participation.


CONCLUSIONS
The program was feasible, safe, and resulted in positive and maintained changes in knowledge and weight satisfaction for adolescent girls.
Steiner-Adair
Catherine
C
Harvard Eating Disorders Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Sjostrom
Lisa
L
Franko
Debra L
DL
Pai
Seeta
S
Tucker
Rochelle
R
Becker
Anne E
AE
Herzog
David B
DB
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009511:New England; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012572:School Health Services; D012649:Self Concept