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ABSTRACT The study by Monocello et al. presents findings from a cultural model analysis providing support for culturally bounded understandings of weight and shape and body ideals, and identifying factors that vary across culturally anchored weight categories. In this commentary, we highlight the value of utilizing emic perspectives and employing cultural models in research focused on body image and disordered eating, and the usefulness of these empirical data among Korean men who constitute an underrepresented group in the eating disorders literature. In addition, methodological and contextual aspects that warrant consideration in the interpretation of the results are highlighted. Finally, directions for future research are presented focused on body image and disordered eating among Korean men, as well as leveraging cultural models more broadly in the field. We hope that the study by Monocello and colleagues will stimulate additional research that centers the perspectives of underrepresented groups in ways that elevate and honor their experiences and help to shift the field away from a White‐centered perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A growing body of research, primarily cross‐sectional, suggests a relationship between the practice of tracking one's food intake and exercise behaviors using fitness‐tracking smartphone applications ("apps") or wearable devices ("wearables") and disordered eating symptomatology. The aim of the present study was to explore longitudinal relationships between fitness tracking and disordered eating outcomes among college‐aged women, as well as to determine whether the individual‐level risk factors of pre‐existing eating concerns, perfectionism, and rumination about food moderated the relationship. Method: N = 68 female undergraduates used the MyFitnessPal app for 8 weeks while completing a series of self‐report measures. Results: At the trait level, fitness tracking frequency was positively associated with weight/shape concerns, but not with the other outcome measures. Daily levels of fitness tracking did not predict next‐day levels for any of the outcome measures. Within‐day fitness tracking at one timepoint was associated with lower reports of dietary restraint efforts at the next timepoint. None of the proposed moderators significantly interacted with the relationships over time. Discussion: These results suggest that while those who engage in fitness tracking may experience higher weight/shape concerns as a trait, over time fitness tracking was not associated with an increase in concerns. Further work exploring whether fitness tracking may affect particular subgroups in different ways is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It is well‐established that the use of appearance‐focused social media is associated with eating disorder (ED) symptoms, due to the presence of idealized imagery. Of concern, social media exposure is increasingly influenced by algorithms, which recommend content based on an analysis of the users' previous patterns of engagement. However, the relationships between users' engagement with social media content based upon its centering of appearance and eating, the presence of these themes in content suggested to them, and their ED symptoms remains unknown. The current study aimed to examine these relationships in the context of TikTok, a video‐ and algorithm‐based platform. Method: Undergraduate students (N = 230; 78% female) completed self‐report measures of ED symptoms, upwards social media appearance comparisons, as well as a novel measure of TikTok activity. Results: Serial mediation analyses provided support for indirect relationships between engagement with appearance/eating‐related content and ED symptoms via higher proportions of appearance/eating‐related recommended content and higher levels of upwards social media appearance comparisons, respectively. There was no association between average screen time, nor general tendency to actively engage with content, and either ED symptoms or upwards social media appearance comparisons. Discussion: Findings provide preliminary support for how engagement on TikTok is related to targeted exposure in ways that may contribute to perpetuating and exacerbating ED symptoms. Public significance: Social media use has been consistently associated with greater eating disorder symptoms. However, the ways in which users' engagement with social media content may be related to targeted social media exposure, and in turn eating disorder symptoms, remains unknown. This research provided preliminary evidence for associations between users' engagement with, and targeted exposure to, TikTok content related to appearance and eating, and their eating disorder symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the association between violent sexual victimization and muscle‐building exercise among adolescents. METHODS: Cross‐sectional data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 8408) were analyzed. Two indicators of non‐dating‐related sexual violence (lifetime, past 12 months), along with one indicator of adolescent sexual violence (past 12 months), were assessed. Days of muscle‐building in the past week were reported. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the associations between the three violent sexual victimization variables and muscle‐building exercise. RESULTS: Among the sample (50.3% girls), lifetime violent sexual victimization (relative risk ratio [RRR] 1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29 to 2.72), past 12‐month violent sexual victimization (RRR 1.60, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.22), and past 12‐month sexual dating violence (RRR 1.60, 95% CI 1.03 to 2.51) were associated greater relative risk of high engagement (ie, 6 to 7 days) in muscle‐building exercise relative to no engagement. CONCLUSIONS: A history of violent sexual victimization is associated with greater involvement in muscle‐building exercise, particularly among adolescent girls. Engagement in muscle‐building exercise in relation to violent sexual victimization may be a means of emotion regulation and occur due to body dissatisfaction resulting from experiencing violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN) are characterized by extremely rigid cognitive and behavioral patterns, understood to underpin the chronic nature of these disorders. Interrogating the mechanisms contributing to and maintaining the rigid cognitive styles and limited behavioral repertoires, particularly in terms of restrictive eating and excessive exercise is of critical importance. Dietary restriction is overall understood to underpin this rigidity to a large extent, however, to date little is understood regarding the relative contributions of different aspects of restriction including low body weight, low fat mass, weight suppression, acute negative energy balance, and chronic restriction. Clarifying the respective roles of these different factors would be useful for both the better targeting intervention efforts in AN. Extending research to other disorders such as muscle dysmorphia, avoidant restrictive food intake disorders, or atypical AN, that may present similar features to AN but differ from it on other critical dimensions, may offer unique opportunities to identify clinical elements specific to these cognitive patterns. Doing so may inform interventions and pave the way towards more effective treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The network approach has emerged as a useful framework for conceptualizing and investigating psychopathology, including eating disorders. Network connectivity, that is, the density of the connections among network nodes, has been somewhat neglected despite its theoretical relevance. As predicted by network theory, symptom connectivity would be distinct but related to symptom severity and may be a useful clinical indicator of psychopathology as stronger and/or more diffuse connections among symptoms offer more avenues for symptom activation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between moment‐by‐moment individual‐level symptom connectivity and global levels of symptom severity in the context of eating disorder symptoms and experiences. Methods: A sample of 58 female undergraduate college students, mean (SD) age = 20.5 (3.1) provided data on eating disorder symptoms eight times a day over the course of 10 days. Network analyses were used to calculate the eating disorder symptoms network connectivity for each participant. In addition, participants completed survey of self‐report measures of eating disorder symptom severity and trait mindfulness and body image flexibility. Results: Analyses revealed a moderate, positive relationship between individual network connectivity and eating disorder symptom severity. In addition, symptom connectivity predicted unique variance of symptom severity even after controlling for other clinically‐relevant variables. Conclusions: Individual‐level network connectivity may be an important dimension of psychopathology and further work exploring the role of network connectivity is warranted. Public Significance: These findings suggest that symptom severity and the extent to which different eating disorder symptoms are connected are related but different dimensions. Investigating how these different dimensions play a role in eating disorder pathology could help to better understand and treat these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change affects many of the documented risk factors for eating disorders (EDs) through direct and indirect pathways, yet to date the research in this area is nonexistent. Our aim is to identify the specific mechanisms through which climate change might be associated with increased risk for EDs, an exacerbation in symptoms, or poor clinical outcomes; highlight limited empirical data addressing these issues; and propose directions for a research program in this important area. Pathways for the impact of climate change on eating disorders and related data were reviewed. Four main pathways for the effects of climate change on EDs were identified including (1) decreased food access and security; (2) changes in mean temperature; (3) concerns related to food safety and eco‐anxiety; and (4) indirect pathways through trauma, adversity, and increased mental health concerns. Except for the relationship between increased food insecurity and EDs, these pathways remain largely uninvestigated. Numerous factors may be implicated in the relationship between climate change and EDs. Future work in this area is imperative and should be conducted through a social justice lens with particular attention paid to the global areas most impacted by climate change and related vulnerabilities. Climate change will likely have adverse impacts on individuals with eating disorders and increase the risk for eating disorders. This paper reviews the different ways in which climate change may have these effects and calls for researchers to pay attention to this important area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Eating disorders (EDs) disproportionately affect sexual and gender minorities, with majority of research conducted among samples in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine ED psychopathology among adolescents and young adults in Canada with diverse gender and sexual identities. Method: Data were collected from 2,714 Canadians, aged 16–30 years old, via an online survey at the end of 2021 during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants responded to sociodemographic questions (including history of EDs) and reported on eating attitudes and behaviors. Descriptive statistics and multiple modified Poisson and linear regressions were conducted. Results: Over half the sample was heterosexual, 35% were sexual minority cisgender men and women, and 6.5% were transgender and gender non‐conforming (TGNC) people. The sample overall reported elevated ED psychopathology based on their eating attitudes and behaviors. TGNC participants reported the most severe ED psychopathology. Generally, sexual minority cisgender women and cisgender men had elevated ED psychopathology compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Regression analyses revealed all gender and sexual minorities reported greater ED psychopathology compared to heterosexual cisgender men. Discussion: The Canadian sample reported elevated ED psychopathology compared to previous studies among various populations. Additional investigations are now needed to observe how ED psychopathology continues to change after the onset of the pandemic. Further research is needed among cisgender men, TGNC people, and sexual minorities to understand the unique stressors they face that lead to high ED psychopathology, and develop appropriate prevention and treatment tools. Public significance: EDs affect people of all gender and sexual identities. People who identify as a gender and/or sexual minority often experience problematic eating attitudes and behaviors, particularly transgender and gender non‐conforming people of all sexual identities. More research attention is needed among these populations, especially due to a paucity of research among Canadians, to develop effective diagnostic tools, prevention efforts, and treatment programs specific to gender and sexual identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Research focused on developing risk and protective models of body image concerns and disordered eating among older women is scant. Models including biological, psychological, and sociocultural elements may be useful explanatory frameworks in this group. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct formative research exploring the constructs that form part of biopsychosocial models of body image concerns and disordered eating among older women. Method: A sample of 184 women aged 60–75 years completed an online survey assessing media pressures, thin‐ideal internalization, depression symptoms, weight and shape concerns, and disordered eating as well as positive reappraisal and acceptance of aging‐related changes to appearance. Results: After the addition of two supplemental pathways, the model revealed good fit to the data. In the final model, age, depression, and media pressure were associated with media internalization, that was in turn associated with weight and shape concerns, and then disordered eating. Depression was also directly associated with both weight and shape concerns and disordered eating. The model varied across older women with high versus low levels of positive reappraisal and acceptance of aging‐related changes to appearance. Specifically, among those high on this trait, the pathways between depression and thin‐ideal internalization, and between weight and shape concerns and disordered eating were significantly weaker. Discussion: These findings support the usefulness of biopsychosocial models for grounding research on body image concerns and disordered eating among older women, and suggest positive reappraisal and acceptance of aging‐related changes to appearance as a useful dimension to focus on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Recent industry‐created social marketing campaigns have targeted positive body image; however, research investigating the effects of such social media campaigns on body image has largely neglected non‐Western English‐speaking groups. This study explored the effects on body image of a video produced by Dove for a Japanese audience 'Real Beauty ID', and its capacity to modify the effects of subsequent exposure to celebrity social media images of young women. Method: Young women from Japan (n = 568), mean age (SD) = 25.38 (3.52) years, were randomly allocated to view either the Dove Real Beauty ID video, or a control video, followed by exposure to celebrity social media images (female celebrities or landscapes). Finally, participants reported on state and trait appearance‐based comparisons, thin ideal internalization, body appreciation, and media similarity scepticism. Results: Among participants with high levels of thin ideal internalization, those who viewed the Dove Real Beauty ID video reported significantly lower satisfaction with body and facial features, as well as more negative mood (p <.05) compared with the control video. Little support emerged for the capacity of the Dove Real Beauty ID video to modify the effects of exposure to celebrity social media images, nor were these effects moderated by risk and resilience factors. Conclusions: In sum, no usefulness emerged for the Dove Real Beauty ID video in promoting positive body image, and limited usefulness was seen in buffering the effects of exposure to celebrity social media images among Japanese young women. Given the reach of such interventions, exploring whether interventions that are culturally adapted and theoretically driven are more helpful is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To explore the association between muscle‐building exercise (MBE) and alcohol use behaviors among adolescent boys. Methods: Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 4120) were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions. Results: A greater number of days of MBE in the past week was associated with higher odds of four alcohol use behaviors, including recent alcohol use and binge drinking. Discussion and Conclusions: Findings extend prior research showing relationships between team sports participation and alcohol use behaviors. Scientific Significance: This study is the first to examine associations between MBE and alcohol use behaviors among adolescent boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The pursuit of thinness and fear of gaining weight have been found to play an important role in eating disorder symptomatology. While these dimensions have typically been considered conjointly, emerging evidence suggests they may be distinct dimensions. The aim of this study was to explore the subjective experiences of fear of fatness and drive for thinness in young women with body image concerns. Method: Young women endorsing weight concerns (N = 29, mean age = 20.86, SD = 2.70 years) were interviewed and asked to describe an experience of fear of fat and drive for thinness, respectively. Results: Qualitative analysis was conducted and identified four themes: (1) precipitating events; (2) physiological, emotional, cognitive, and proprioceptive experiences; (3) coping strategies; and (4) sociocultural influences. While similarities emerged, the experiences of fear of fatness, and of drive for thinness also evidenced clear differences situating the former in the context of fear‐based avoidance patterns, and the latter in approach‐based reward models. Discussion: These findings provide additional support for the usefulness of considering fear of fat and drive for thinness as distinct constructs. Further research examining the contributions of each of these constructs to eating pathology is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: "Clean" dietary labels are often viewed by consumers as referencing products that are minimally processed, without additives, preservatives, artificial colors, or ingredients, but may also be interpreted as vegan, gluten‐free, dairy‐free, "real," or "natural." Although the "clean" diet trend continues to grow in popularity, there is a lack of consensus regarding the definition and use of this terminology with a corresponding lack of regulation for such labels in the United States. Method: This multidisciplinary scoping review examines the public health implications of the "clean" label trend and the legal and policy landscape for regulation. We report on findings from case law and legal research generated through the Westlaw database and from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement actions and website documents to discuss options for federal‐ and state‐level intervention to mitigate harm. Results: One feasible avenue for change is for the FDA to provide industry guidance, disseminate public statements to debunk myths, and enforce labeling statutes to police deceptive "clean" labeling claims. We also suggest consumer‐protection litigation and state‐level litigation via attorneys general as alternative actions to combat the abundant misinformation associated with "clean" diets and labels. Discussion: Although the FDA has taken some enforcement actions, these efforts are insufficient given the proliferation of "clean" label products in the marketplace and the potential for adverse impacts on public health including increased risk for disordered eating. The current unregulated, undefined landscape for "clean" dietary labels thus requires urgent action by federal authorities and state attorneys general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Toned muscularity continues to emerge as a salient aspect of women's body image. However, there is a dearth of research investigating the potentially maladaptive eating practices and related cognitions that accompany the drive for muscularity in women. This may be attributable to the limited empirical and clinical attention previously given to muscularity‐oriented disordered eating and, accordingly, the lack of validated measures assessing these concerns. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to provide a preliminary evaluation of the factor structure and core psychometric properties of a recently developed measure of muscularity‐oriented disordered eating, the Muscularity‐Oriented Eating Test (MOET), in university women in Australia. Method: Participants included 419 university women who completed the 15‐item MOET and other self‐report measures for validity evaluation as part of an online survey. Data from split‐half samples were used to undertake an exploratory factor analysis and subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Factor analytic results supported a briefer (12‐item), one‐factor scale in this sample of university women. The internal consistency reliability and validity (convergent and discriminant) of this 12‐item unidimensional MOET was supported. Discussion: Our study provides preliminary support for this modified MOET as a psychometrically sound self‐report measure of muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in university women in Australia, providing a useful tool for understanding maladaptive eating behaviors and cognitions concomitant to the pursuit of muscularity in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the prevalence and correlates of weight gain attempts in a pooled sample of adults aged 18 and older from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Mexico. Method: Data collected during 2 years (2018 and 2019) of the International Food Policy Study (N = 42,108) were analyzed. Unadjusted 12‐month prevalence of weight gain attempts was estimated based on body mass index (BMI; kg/m2), weight perception, country, survey year, and sex. Logistic regression analyses were estimated to determine the sociodemographic correlates (age, race/ethnicity, education, BMI, weight perception, weight perception accuracy, and self‐rated mental health) of weight gain attempts among the pooled sample stratified by sex. Results: Men (10.4%) were significantly more likely than women (5.4%) to report weight gain attempts (p <.001). Nearly one in five (17.1%) men with a BMI in the "normal" range (≥18.5 to <25.0) reported weight gain attempts. Among both men and women, minority group identity was associated with higher odds, while older age and higher BMI category were associated with lower odds, of reporting weight gain attempts. Country differences over the two survey years showed the prevalence of weight gain attempts in 2019 (vs. 2018) was higher among women in Australia (p <.05) and men in the United States (p <.01). Discussion: Weight gain attempts are more common among men, compared to women, across five countries, potentially reflecting the global salience of the pursuit of a muscular body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sociocultural theories hold that family and peer weight‐related teasing increases the risk for unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) by negatively impacting body image. Although much cross‐sectional support exists for these pathways, longitudinal data are lacking. This study tested the longitudinal relationships among peer and family teasing (occurrence and perceived impact) in early adolescence, body satisfaction in late adolescence, and UWCBs in young adulthood among a racially/ethnically and socioeconomically diverse population. Method: Data were drawn from three waves of Project EAT over a 15‐year period (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults), and included responses from 1,902 young adults (57% female). Results: Among female participants, a mediated indirect pathway emerged with family weight‐related teasing predicting increased engagement in UWCBs in early adulthood via poorer body image in late adolescence. In contrast, peer teasing did not predict body image or UWCBs. Among boys, the mediated indirect pathways were not significant. However, poor body image in late adolescent males predicted higher likelihood of engaging in UCWBs in early adulthood. Discussion: These findings support the long‐term impact of family weight‐related teasing on greater risk for UWCBs among girls and young women, and poor body image as a mechanism accounting for this relationship. Moreover, the results highlight the poor body image among adolescent boys as a factor for increased risk of engaging in UWCBs in early adulthood. Pending replication in current cohorts, health promotion and prevention involving family members of early adolescents that address family weight teasing and body image are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The working conditions of professional fashion models may place them at risk for negative outcomes including disordered eating. New policies in the United States and France, including providing private changing areas and requiring medical certificates, have been implemented to protect models from pressures to be extremely thin and sexual harassment. This study evaluated the implementation of the new policies during the week of New York Fashion Week, February 2018 (NYFW Fall'18). Method: A sample of 76 fashion models (87% female) aged over 18 years who had participated in NYFW Fall'18 completed an online survey, reporting on behaviors and experiences occurring during NYFW Fall'18. Results: A large proportion of respondents reported unhealthy weight control behaviors, including skipping meals (54%), intravenous drips (39%), and self‐induced vomiting (25%). Fewer than half reported being always or sometimes provided with a private changing area, with 45% reporting experiencing lack of privacy when changing. A subset (n = 15) had obtained a health certificate for events in Paris. Most health providers had assessed weight, but few assessed eating and exercise behaviors. Discussion: Policy interventions to improve health and safety of models are not yet achieving intended goals and require continued monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disparities in eating disorder (ED) risk, diagnosis, and treatment for those who occupy multiple marginalized social identities (e.g., combined racial/ethnic and sexual minority statuses), underscore the need for advancing multicultural research in the ED field. In this article, we argue that intersectionality‐informed approaches, which examine the ways in which one's multiple social identities interact to inform risk for ED outcomes, offer an established framework for identifying frequently underserved individuals who may be at greatest risk for EDs. We highlight preliminary intersectional research in EDs and offer suggestions for further progression. In particular, we encourage future intersectionality‐informed research to incorporate a broader range of social identities (e.g., age, ability status), consider the ways in which these identities may be dimensional and fluid, and embrace strengths‐based approaches to illuminate dimensions of identity that may serve as protective factors. To support such research, we describe quantitative and qualitative methods for pursuing questions of intersectionality in ED investigations. Given the success of intersectionality‐informed research in other areas of psychopathology and its relevance to ED as suggested by initial research, the continued pursuit of these approaches in EDs has high potential to improve identification and treatment for patients who have too often been overlooked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current COVID‐19 pandemic has created a global context likely to increase eating disorder (ED) risk and symptoms, decrease factors that protect against EDs, and exacerbate barriers to care. Three pathways exist by which this pandemic may exacerbate ED risk. One, the disruptions to daily routines and constraints to outdoor activities may increase weight and shape concerns, and negatively impact eating, exercise, and sleeping patterns, which may in turn increase ED risk and symptoms. Relatedly, the pandemic and accompanying social restrictions may deprive individuals of social support and adaptive coping strategies, thereby potentially elevating ED risk and symptoms by removing protective factors. Two, increased exposure to ED‐specific or anxiety‐provoking media, as well as increased reliance on video conferencing, may increase ED risk and symptoms. Three, fears of contagion may increase ED symptoms specifically related to health concerns, or by the pursuit of restrictive diets focused on increasing immunity. In addition, elevated rates of stress and negative affect due to the pandemic and social isolation may also contribute to increasing risk. Evaluating and assessing these factors are key to better understanding the impact of the pandemic on ED risk and recovery and to inform resource dissemination and targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Eating Disorders is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Little is known regarding maternal influences on the body image and eating concerns of young children. The current study aimed to examine the cross‐sectional and longitudinal relationships between maternal comments about their child's weight and shape and eating, and mothers' own body dissatisfaction and disordered eating on one hand, and their children's body esteem and disordered eating behaviors on the other. Method: Children, n = 244 of the fifth wave, aged 7 years (58% female), and n = 194 of the sixth wave, aged 8 years (57% female), of the longitudinal Children's Body Image Development Study, in Melbourne, Australia were included. Mothers completed measures of body dissatisfaction, dietary restraint, and comments and concerns regarding their children's weight and eating behaviors. They also reported on their children's disordered eating behaviors. Children's body esteem was assessed through a child interview. Results: Findings revealed cross‐sectional and prospective bivariate relationships between maternal comments and disordered eating behaviors among both boys and girls. Similar patterns of relationships emerged between maternal body dissatisfaction and lower child body esteem. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of conducting prevention within the family environment from a young age, and targeting both direct communication as well as parental body image and eating behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children's understandings of increases in body size via a qualitative prospective approach. A sample of 259 children (55.2% girls) was interviewed at 3, 4, and 5 years old. Participants were shown an average and a larger size figure of a child of their gender and age. Responses to 'Why do you think the boy/girl got bigger here?' were coded using thematic analysis. Diet was cited as a mechanism for increased body size by almost 50% of children referring to this by age 5. Few children mentioned physical activity. Responses suggesting that increases in body size had negative implications increased between ages 3 and 5. Awareness of associations between diet and weight gain emerges as young as 3 years old and increases over time, as do negative attitudes about weight gain. This age may be opportune for interventions targeting sustainable healthy behaviours. Statement of contributionWhat is already known on this subject?Even very young children present weight bias.Their understanding of the social messages regarding weight and shape increases with age.Older children present a partial understanding of how diet and physical activity are related to body size.What does this study add?Very young children's understandings of increases in body size were investigated.Eating and food‐related mechanisms, as well as ageing, were salient.By age 5, over a third of children associated increases in body size with negative implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Eating disorder (ED) symptoms are common and impairing in males, despite their perception as "female" disorders. As existing self‐report symptom measures were developed and primarily validated in women, there is a need to establish the utility of these measures in men. The present study used differential item functioning (DIF) analyses to explore whether item endorsement differed by gender for three commonly used ED symptom measures. Method: Participants were undergraduate men (n = 1,083) and women (n = 2,424) from three universities in the United States. Global scores on the Eating Attitudes Test‐26 (EAT‐26), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), and Eating Disorder Diagnostic Scale for DSM‐IV (EDDS) were examined. Tests of DIF were conducted by regressing each item against its composite scale score, and then comparing fit and variance explained (R2) to a model with the interaction of item*gender. The clinical significance threshold for DIF is ΔR2 ≥ 0.13. Results: There was no evidence of clinically significant DIF within the EAT‐26, EDEQ, or EDDS. Discussion: Findings suggest that the examined measures perform similarly for undergraduate men and women, supporting their use in nonclinical male samples. However, development and testing of items reflecting ED symptoms that more commonly occur in males (e.g., muscularity‐oriented behaviors) is encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors for disordered weight control behaviors (DWCB) in South Korean adolescents at multiple levels, including individual, family, school, and geographic area. Method: We drew participants from the 11th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web‐based Survey, conducted in 2015, with 65,529 adolescents (31,687 girls, 33,842 boys) aged 12–18 years. DWCB was defined as engaging in any of the following behaviors for weight control over the past month: fasting, one‐food diet (eating only one food over an extended period of time for weight control), vomiting, and taking laxatives/diuretics/unprescribed diet pills. Sex‐stratified four‐level multilevel logistic models examined potential predictors of DWCB, including age, body‐mass index, puberty, perceived household economic status, parental education, living structure, school type and sex‐composition, percentage of students participating in school nutrition programs, and urbanicity. Results: Overall, 6.2% of Korean adolescents (8.9% of girls, 3.7% of boys) exhibited any DWCB. We found significant between‐school variation among girls and boys and between‐classroom variation among girls. Older age, overweight/obesity, pubertal maturity, high household economic status (vs. mid‐range economic status), and vocational schooling (vs. general) were positively associated with DWCB among girls and boys. Low household economic status (vs. mid‐range economic status), higher parental education, and coeducational schooling (vs. single‐sex) were positively associated with DWCB among girls only. Discussion: The findings suggest that DWCB are prevalent among Korean adolescents across age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Social contextual factors including school and familial environmental factors, as well as individual characteristics, should be considered when developing effective prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High rates of disordered eating exist among adolescents with overweight and among ethnic/racial minority adolescents. Given the lack of research examining how eating disorder risk is moderated by both overweight and ethnicity/race, this study aimed to explore interactions between ethnicity/ race and overweight status on disordered eating behaviors in a population-based adolescent sample. Cross-sectional data from adolescents (n52,271; 52% females) of White (23%), Black (34%), Hispanic (20%), and Asian (23%; 82% Hmong) ethnicity/race participating in the EAT 2010 study were used to examine associations between overweight status and disordered eating behaviors across ethnic/racial groups. Disordered eating behaviors occurred more frequently among adolescents with overweight compared with those without overweight across all ethnic/racial groups. Although some differences in the prevalence of disordered eating were found by ethnicity/race, particularly in girls, no consistent patterns of interaction emerged. Overweight White and Hispanic girls reported the highest risk for dieting, while the highest risk for unhealthy weight control behaviors was among overweight Black girls, and for overeating among overweight White and Asian girls. Within a society in which thinness is highly valued and being overweight is stigmatized, across diverse cultural groups, adolescents with overweight are at risk for disordered eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appearance pressures experienced by fashion models have been criticized as harmful to their health, as well as increasing eating disorder risk among youth by promoting ideals of extreme thinness. Given recent legislation to protect models, we undertook a strategic science study to assess professional fashion models' perceptions of the potential impact and feasibility of seven policy proposals. A sample of 85 female fashion models, mean age = 22.7 years ( SD 3.7) completed an online survey assessing unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCB), perceived pressure from agencies to lose weight, as well as the perceived impact and feasibility of seven potential policy actions. Chi-squared analyses and multivariable logistic regressions compared UWCB among models who were asked to lose weight and those who were not. Friedman and Kendall's W tests were conducted to examine differences in impact and feasibility ratings across the seven policy proposals. Models reported high levels of pressure to lose weight, which was associated with higher odds of engaging in UWCB. The policy approaches rated as most impactful were those to increase worker protections, though they were rated as only moderately feasible. Requiring employers to provide food and a 30-min break for jobs longer than 6 h was rated as both impactful and feasible. Imposing restrictions on minimum BMI was rated as the least impactful. Approaches providing employment protections and healthier working conditions are most supported by professional models. These findings help to illuminate viable policy approaches from the perspective of key stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to test the feasibility of a mindfulness and self-compassion based program for adolescents, to be delivered though mobile phones. Twenty racially and ethnically diverse US adolescents enrolled in a study to use the app for 30 days, after which they provided satisfaction data and participated in focus groups to describe their experiences and offer suggestions for improving the app. Usage data were also captured. Results indicated that participants used the app on the majority of days over the intervention period, reported finding it helpful for managing stress, and provided suggestions for substantive areas for improvement. These findings suggest that a mobile app may be a feasible way to disseminate a mindfulness and selfcompassion based program widely among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aim was to explore the role of parents in the transmission of stereotypical body size attitudes and awareness of weight loss strategies to preschool children. Participants were 279 3‐year‐old children and their parents, who provided data at baseline and 1 year later. Parents completed self‐report body size attitude and dieting measures. Child weight bias and awareness of weight loss strategies were assessed through interview. Over time, negative associations with large bodies and awareness of weight loss strategies increased. Fathers’ attitudes prospectively predicted boys’ weight bias and awareness of weight loss strategies. Among girls, parental attitudes were less predictive. Findings confirm the importance of fathers in the development of boys’ body attitudes and inform prevention programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has indicated that exposure to pro-eating disorder websites might increase eating pathology; however, the magnitude of this effect is unknown. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of exposure to pro-eating disorder websites on body image and eating pathology. Studies examining the relationship between exposure to pro-eating disorder websites and eating pathology-related outcomes were included. The systematic review identified nine studies. Findings revealed significant effect sizes of exposure to pro-eating disorder websites on body image dissatisfaction (five studies), d = .41, p = .003; dieting (six studies), d = .68, p < .001, and negative affect (three studies), d = 1.00, p < .001. No effect emerged for bulimic symptoms (four studies), d = .22, p = .73. Findings confirmed the effect of pro-eating disorder websites on body image and eating pathology, highlighting the need for enforceable regulation of these websites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objective: To prospectively explore the relationship between exposure to potentially distressing news content and disordered eating. Method: Within 2 weeks of the March 3, 2011 Japan earthquake, an online survey was conducted among non-Japanese adults in distant countries ( N = 698) assessing time spent on TV and the internet watching the news as well as peritraumatic reactions to the news and sleep disturbance. Participants were invited to complete a followup survey two months later [ n = 113, mean age (SD) = 38.8 (11.91), 73% female] reporting on eating disorder symptoms. Results: Exposure to TV and, to a lesser extent, internet coverage of the Japan disaster were associated with disordered eating, in particular dieting and oral control, as measured by the eating attitudes test. Peritraumatic reactions and sleep disturbance displayed specific patterns of association with disordered eating. Discussion: Exposure to media coverage of distant disasters may be associated with increased disordered eating. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;45:845-849) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy of 2 computer-based programs was tested with Latina college women ( N= 64). Compared with participants in the control group, intervention participants improved their motivation to eat fruits and vegetables (F&V; p= .042) and to participate in physical activity ( p= .023) and significantly increased their F&V intake (pre- to posttest, p < .001; pre-follow-up, p= .002). Body dissatisfaction improved at a trend level ( p= .055). Some modest effects of computer-based programs were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Latina college women are at risk for eating disorders (EDs), but assessment is problematic, because the psychometric properties of risk factor measures have not been evaluated with this group. Method: Reliability and validity estimates of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, and Body Shape Questionnaire were examined in a sample of 173 female Latina college students. Results: Cronbach α coefficients (.75-.96) and intraclass coefficients (.65-.96) indicated good reliability. Most measures were significantly correlated, providing evidence for convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in good fit indices. Discussion: These findings indicate that commonly used measures of ED risk have adequate reliability and validity in Latina college women. Comparison data suggest that ED risk may be similar or even higher in Latina college women relative to Caucasian college women. Prevention efforts with diverse groups are needed. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to explore motivations to become a member of a French-language 'pro-ana' online community, perceptions of support provided by other members and the nature of the information provided. Method A sample of 29 members of an online community were assessed for disordered eating and responded to open-ended questions exploring perceptions of the online community. Results All participants reported high levels of disordered eating (Eating Attitudes Test > 30). The main motive for joining the online community was to be provided with both advice regarding weight loss and support. The majority of them equated thinness with happiness and were satisfied with their membership. Participants also described the types of advice that they had received concerning weight loss. Conclusions Members of pro-ana online communities are likely to display high levels of disordered eating. Furthermore, membership to the online community was motivated not only by weight concerns but also by the support provided. Our findings confirmed the role of these online communities in encouraging harmful weight-loss and weight-control practices. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: The literature has highlighted that strategies to increase appropriate and timely treatment seeking for eating disorders (EDs) are needed. The aim of this study was to use the Internet to disseminate guidelines for providing first aid to individuals suffering from ED among college students. Methods: Users were invited to complete two surveys: an initial one assessing user characteristics and, 28 days later, a questionnaire assessing the perceived usefulness of the guidelines. A sample of 651 college students (M age = 22, standard deviation (SD) = 3.9) responded to the first questionnaire and 50 completed the second questionnaire (M age = 22.2, SD = 2.6). Results: The guidelines were downloaded 1174 times and 56% of users reported finding them useful. Conclusions: College students might be particularly interested in learning more about ED and the guidelines could be valuable to address the gap in available resources for ED‐related mental health literacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research demonstrates a mismatch between reported and observed maternal feeding practices. This mismatch may be explained by maternal cognitions, attitudes, and motivations relating to dyadic parent-child feeding interactions. These complex constructs may not be apparent during observations nor evidenced in self-report questionnaire. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use a qualitative approach to gain a more nuanced and contextualized understanding of (a) maternal perceptions of children's food intake control; (b) how parent-child mealtime interactions influence maternal feeding practices; and (c) ways in which mothers may promote healthy child eating and weight outcomes. Semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 23 mothers (M = 38.4 ± 3.7 years of age) of preschool-aged children (M = 3.8 ± 0.6 years of age, 19 were normal weight, 14 were girls), who had previously completed child feeding questionnaire and participated in two home-based mealtime observations, 12 months apart. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and themes extracted to create the database. Four major themes emerged: (a) Maternal confidence in children's ability to regulate food intake is variable; (b) Implementing strategies for nurturing healthy relationships with food beyond the dining table; (c) Fostering positive mealtime interactions is valued above the content of what children eat; and (d) Situation-specific practices and inconsistencies. Findings indicate that maternal feeding practices are shaped by both parent and child influences, and child feeding is mostly guided by controlling the family food environment, rather than by directly pressuring or restricting their child's eating. Results also highlighted the need for research to consider both parent and child influences on child feeding., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)