Rethinking prevention efforts in eating disorders Original Research Article

The prevention of eating disorders has been a complicated and elusive goal for researchers. Using an innovative design, the Body Logic Program (Varnado-Sullivan et al., 2001) was found to successfully reduce fear of fatness and decrease intentions to diet in a study of adolescent girls. Previous researchers have recommended separating universal (primary) and indicated (secondary) prevention. However, the authors found that this was not easily accomplished. When at-risk girls were identified and invited to participate in an intensive program, only 1 (of 55) elected to do so. Future prevention efforts will need to examine innovative approaches to reach these at-risk girls, including the use of incentives for participation, a focus on advocacy and action, the involvement of parents, and an integration of eating disorders prevention with other adolescent health concerns.