Modification of eating attitudes and behavior in adolescent girls: A controlled study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based e ating disorder prevention program designed to reduce dietary restraint and concern about shape and weight among adolescent girls. Method: A total of 4 74 girls aged 13-14 years received the program as part of their normal scho ol curriculum. An assessment-only control group included 386 pupils. Measur es of eating disorder features, self-esteem, and knowledge were administere d before and after the intervention and at 6-month follow-up. Results: Imme diately following the intervention, there was a small reduction in dietary restraint and attitudes to shape and weight in the index group, whereas the re was no change in the control group. This reduction was not maintained at 6-month follow-up although the dietary restraint scores of the index group remained lower than those of the control group. Discussion: This preventio n program achieved change in eating attitudes and behavior, although the ch ange was modest in size and not sustained. Focusing on a high-risk subgroup of dieters might be a more fruitful primary prevention strategy. (C) 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.