New approaches to the prevention of eating disorders

Abstract

The development of effective, cost-effective and widely accessible preventive programs is crucial to reducing the burden of disease related to EDs. Programs using cognitive-behavioral and dissonance-based approaches are most effective for selective prevention. Universal and indicated prevention programs should be further investigated. And programs should be extended to a wider range of ages, races, and cultures, and address multiple public health problems such as obesity and eating disorders, weight-related problems with shared risk factors. The Body Project, MABIC and ZARIMA are successful programs in the prevention of problems related to eating and weight (PRAP). Universal interventions in collaboration with programs for the prevention of drug use or risky sexual behaviors should also be developed. A rigorous evaluation of their efficacy, effec-tiveness, implementation, and dissemination is necessary. It might be optimal to implement the Body Project with peer-led groups to address the barriers associated with clinician-led interventions. The limitations of traditional programs could be overcome with Internet-and mobile-based interventions. Internet-based interventions could maximize the scope and impact of preventive efforts. However, current scientific evidence for the prevention of EDs online is limited. Internet interventions are less effective than face-to-face ones, with small or medium effect sizes.