Weight Limits, Estimations of Future BMI, Subjective Pubertal Timing and Physical Appearance Comparisons Among Adolescent Girls as Precursors of Disturbed Eating Behaviour in a Community Sample

Objective: From a clinical point of view, a high 'objective' BMI or an early biological onset of puberty are well-known risk factors for eating disorders. In contrast, little is known about irrational beliefs and subjective meanings of body weight and pubertal timing. Method: Mostly using standardised questionnaires, 136 girls with an average age of 12 years were asked to report their eating behaviour, (body) self-esteem, body dissatisfaction, weight limits, estimations of future BMI, subjective pubertal timing and appearance-related social comparisons. Results: Results showed significant correlations between disturbed eating behaviour and the existence of a weight limit, which was reported by 45% of the girls. Twenty two per cent wished to have a future BMI beneath the 10th percentile. In terms of pubertal timing, girls who perceived themselves as either 'early starters' or 'late starters' reported significantly more risky eating behaviour. Conclusions: Results are discussed with a focus on the psychotherapeutic use of our findings as well as the opportunity for the development of preventive strategies. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.