Both adolescent girls and boys, a history of sexual

Both adolescent girls and boys, a history of sexual or physical abuse appears to increase the risk of disordered eating behaviors

 By Dr. Dianne Neumark-Sztainer

University of Minneapolis, International Journal of Eating Disorders 2000; 28:249-258.

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. 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. In light of these findings, the researchers conclude that "strong familial relationships may decrease the risk for disordered eating among youth reporting abuse experiences."