Eating disorders risk and its relation to depression and body dissatisfaction among Iranian females participating sports clubs

The prevalence of eating disorders at young adults is rapidly increasing. However, a few studies have examined the risk of eating disorders and psychological factors including body dissatisfaction and stress in females of non-Western societies. The current study was designed to assess the prevalence and correlates of eating disorders risk among Iranian females.

The participants were 221 females from Tehran participating in sports clubs. The 26-item Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26), Photographic figure rating scale and the Beck depression test were used. An eat-26 score of 20 or more was considered as eating disorders risk cutoff.

The overall prevalence of disordered eating attitude was 49.8%. Additionally, 62.4% reported the history of overeating and 43% reported the experience of being unable to control their eating and food intake. In simple Spearman correlation, there were significant associations between eating disorders risk with depression, body dissatisfaction, and anthropometric indices. In addition, weight control behaviors were prevalent in subjects, 43.0% and 31.2% for dieting and over-exercise, respectively.

This study found a high prevalence of disordered eating. The findings revealed poor psychological state may increase eating disorders risk. This warrants awareness improvement and developing appropriate interventions targeting depression and satisfaction with body among females.