Abstract:

Introduction: The inadequacy of corporal self-perception and the idealization of a stereotyped body increase the risk of body dissatisfaction, which leads to the emergence of eating disorders (ED). Objective: This study aims to evaluate the risk of ED development and relate it to the nutritional status and body dissatisfaction of adolescents in a city in Rio Grande do Sul. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study, with teenagers, in which were applied two questionnaires: the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), assessing risk behavior for developing ED; and the Silhouette Scale assessing the presence of body image dissatisfaction. Besides, weight and height were measured to classify nutritional status, which uses score-Z curves, considering BMI/Age, established by the World Health Organization (WHO). Results: A total of 114 adolescents were included in the study, 68.4% of which were eutrophic and 26.3% overweight (overweight, obesity or severe obesity). The results showed that 82.5% (n=94) of the students present risk of developing ED and body dissatisfaction 79.8% (n=91). Also, there was significant relationship between the presence of body dissatisfaction and risk for ED (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed that most adolescents were at risk for developing ED and that there is a high percentage of body dissatisfaction. Besides, it was found a relationship among body image dissatisfaction, risk attitudes for ED and nutritional status.

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