Abstract
Research has found that weight-teasing is associated with disordered eating in adolescents. This study expands on the existing
research by examining associations between hurtful weight comments by family and a significant other and disordered eating
in young adults. Data come from 1,902 young adults (mean age 25) who completed surveys in 1998, 2003 and 2009. Correlations
were examined between receiving hurtful comments from family and significant others, and four disordered eating behaviors
in young adulthood, adjusting for prior disordered eating and prior teasing. Disordered eating behaviors were common in young
adulthood, and were associated with hearing hurtful weight-related comments from family members and a significant other, for
both females and males. Disordered eating prevention activities, which include messages about the potential harm associated
with hurtful weight-related comments, should be expanded to address young adults, and programs may want to target relationship
partners.
research by examining associations between hurtful weight comments by family and a significant other and disordered eating
in young adults. Data come from 1,902 young adults (mean age 25) who completed surveys in 1998, 2003 and 2009. Correlations
were examined between receiving hurtful comments from family and significant others, and four disordered eating behaviors
in young adulthood, adjusting for prior disordered eating and prior teasing. Disordered eating behaviors were common in young
adulthood, and were associated with hearing hurtful weight-related comments from family members and a significant other, for
both females and males. Disordered eating prevention activities, which include messages about the potential harm associated
with hurtful weight-related comments, should be expanded to address young adults, and programs may want to target relationship
partners.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10865-011-9378-9
- Authors
- Marla E. Eisenberg, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
- Jerica M. Berge, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Jayne A. Fulkerson, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Journal Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1573-3521
- Print ISSN 0160-7715