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Disordered Eating in Adolescents Linked to Sexual and Physical Abuse Source: Reuters Health <http://www.reuters.com/>, October 3, 2000 Excerpts: WESTPORT, CT -- Among both adolescent girls and boys, a history of sexual or physical abuse appears to increase the risk of disordered eating behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or use of laxatives to avoid gaining weight, according to researchers at the University of Minneapolis. The researchers studied responses to a 225-item survey of adolescent health completed by 9943 Connecticut public school students in grades 7, 9 and 11. Among those at increased risk for disordered eating were respondents who had experienced sexual or physical abuse and those who gave low ratings to family communication, parental caring and parental expectations. After adjustment and allowing for sexual abuse, physical abuse approximately doubled the risk of disordered eating in both girls and boys. The researchers conclude that "strong familial relationships may decrease the risk for disordered eating among youth reporting abuse experiences." Source: International Journal of Eating Disorders 2000;28:249-258.
