Prevalence and significance of weight and shape concerns in girls aged 11-16 years

Background The prevalence of the core ideational component of eating disorders among the at-risk population (11- to 16-year-old girls) is not known. Method A community survey of 11- to 16-year-old girls was conducted to establish the prevalence of significant concerns about body weight and shape characteristics of eating disorders. A total of 1068 girls were screened and 368 interviewed using standardised measures. Results Significant weight and/or shape concerns were estimated to be present in 14.5% of the 11- to 12-year-olds, 14.9% of the 13- to 14-year-olds and 18.9% of the 15- to 16-year-olds. Only among those aged 15 to 16 was the presence of such concerns associated with a significant level of concurrent behavioural and ideational disturbance. Conclusions Significant concerns about weight or shape are present in almost one in five 15- to 16-year-old girls, many of whom evidence high levels of ancillary disturbance.