Effect of Weight-Related Concerns and Dietary Behavior on Eating Disorder Risk in Korean Women

This study investigated the relationships between eating disorder risk, body image perception, weight control, and dietary habits in Korean women. Body shape perception, the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26) and dietary habit information were collected by a self-administered questionnaire to 373 adult women and the data were analyzed by the Chi-square test. 31.4% of the women were classified in the eating disorder group by a score of over 20 points on the EAT-26. Compared to the normal group, more women in the eating disorder risk group perceived that a thin body shape was the ideal body shape and were dissatisfied with their body shape. This group was also more interested in weight control and more likely to try weight control methods. The eating disorder risk group was more likely to skip meals and snacks than the normal group. In addition, they had a greater appetite and a higher frequency of overeating than the normal group. Over 30% of the Korean women surveyed were categorized at high risk of eating disorders. They were more likely to overestimate body weight and shape and tried to control their weight by inappropriate methods. To prevent eating disorders in adult women, nutrition education programs should incorporate strategies to change inaccurate self-body image and to disseminate information about healthy weight control methods.