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Risk of eating disorders among university students and its association with dieting, weight control behavior and non-substance addictions
This research investigates the prevalence of eating disorders (ED) and their associated risk factors among university undergraduate students, particularly focusing on the Mediterranean population. The study highlights that ED commonly manifests during adolescence and young adulthood, with university environments presenting heightened risks due to academic pressures and future uncertainties. A total of 2,006 students aged 18–30 from the University of the Balearic Islands participated in a cross-sectional survey incorporating various assessments, including the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) for ED risk, Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), and a Questionnaire on Mobile Phone-Related Experiences (CERM).
The findings reveal that 6.1% of participants were at risk for ED, with a significant gender disparity (7.9% of women vs. 2.9% of men, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals at risk exhibited higher responsibility (OR = 1.410; p = 0.001), lower emotional stability (OR = 0.810; p = 0.011), and more pronounced issues related to mobile phone use (OR = 5.523; p < 0.001). Additionally, those at risk demonstrated an increased likelihood of exercise addiction (OR = 8.965; p < 0.001) and engaged more frequently in weight control behaviors (OR = 2.808; p < 0.001), binge eating (OR = 1.887; p = 0.007), and dieting (OR = 7.465 for successful diets; OR = 2.670 for unsuccessful diets, p < 0.001). A strong desire for lower body mass was also reported (OR = 4.411; p < 0.001).
In conclusion, the study underscores the correlation between ED risk and behavioral addictions, notably problematic mobile phone use and exercise addiction. The findings suggest that monitoring these behaviors and dieting intentions could aid in the early identification of individuals at risk for ED. [NPID: eating disorder, exercise, addictions, emotions]
Year: 2025
