Body dissatisfaction in adolescents with eating disorders

Purpose This study aims to analyze and compare the level of body dissatisfaction (BD) in different eating disorders (ED) subtypes. Also, the relationship between BD and certain aesthetic body shape model influence and psychological variables was analyzed. Methods The sample consisted of 204 adolescent patients, who were attending in an ED Unit in Zaragoza (Spain). The following instruments were applied: the Spanish Children's Depression Questionnaire (CEDI-II), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-40), the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ-34) and the Questionnaire of Influences of Aesthetic Body shape Model (CIMEC-40). Results The group of Bulimia Nervosa (BN) showed the greatest BD. Those patients who showed higher levels of BD had lower self-esteem, more depressive symptoms, a greater presence of disordered eating attitudes, and more influence of the aesthetic body shape model. Conclusions This study contributes to highlight the idea of implementing effective prevention programs and specific interventions related to BD in the treatment of ED.