Eating disorders symptoms prevention program in Mexican children

Abstract

In recent decades, eating disorders (ED) prevention programs have gained relevance due to the impact they have on people, especially on children. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of an eating disorder prevention program in children. Sixty elementary school children assigned to one of two conditions (control and intervention) participated, who answered three measures that assess: ED symptoms, the influence of body aesthetic model, and self-esteem, before and after an 8-session intervention, aimed at reducing the symptoms associated with eating disorders. The results with the repeated measures ANOVA test indicated that compared to the control group, the intervention group significantly decreased avoidance of fattening foods, preoccupation with food, compensatory behaviors, perceived social pressure and influence of advertising, aesthetic models, and social relationships. An increase in self-esteem was also observed. The findings highlight the importance of evaluating ED prevention programs taught at an early age.