Eating disorders and body image satisfaction among Brazilian undergraduate nutrition students and dietitians

Arch Latinoam Nutr. 2016 Jun;66(2):129-134.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of risk behaviors related to eating disorders and body image satisfaction among Brazilian dietitians and undergraduate Nutrition students. The national representative sample was composed of 427 undergraduate students of Nutrition and 318 dietitians. Data were collected via an online questionnaire. Body image satisfaction was assessed by the Body Shape Questionnaire, and attitudes suggestive of an eating disorder (called positive EAT) were assessed by the Eating Attitudes Test. Adjusted Prevalence Ratios were performed by Poisson's regression. More than 50.0% of women were dissatisfied with their body image, but severe dissatisfaction was more prevalent among students (26.7% versus 16.0%). There was no difference in the prevalence of positive EAT test between both groups. Students with positive EAT had more chance of body dissatisfaction (PRadj 1.31; 95%CI 1.03-1.66). Dietitians with positive EAT had 35% more chance of being dissatisfied with their body image (PRadj 1.35; 95%IC 1.01-1.80). Undergraduate Nutrition students and dietitians are likely to develop attitudes suggestive of an eating disorder and being dissatisfied with'their body image. The susceptibility of developing an eating disorder might have a relation with their professional field.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Body Image / psychology*
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status
  • Nutritionists / psychology*
  • Nutritionists / statistics & numerical data
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Students, Health Occupations / psychology*
  • Students, Health Occupations / statistics & numerical data
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Young Adult