Abnormal eating behaviors in female Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of abnormal eati ng behaviors in Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) female cadets. A tota l of 310 female ROTC cadets participated in a prospective, cross-sectional study during summer training at Fort Lewis, Washington. All subjects comple ted the Eating Disorder Inventory and a supplemental questionnaire. Because of time constraints, clinical interviews were not administered. Of the 310 ROTC cadets, 20% met the screening criteria for being at risk for an eatin g disorder. The cadets at risk for eating disorders had significantly highe r Drive for Thinness, Bulimia, and Body Dissatisfaction sub scale scores an d were more dissatisfied with their weight than cadets not at risk. There w as no significant difference in reported ideal body weight and exercise int ensity between the two groups. In the female ROTC cadet population evaluate d, 20% practiced abnormal eating behaviors and were at risk for developing an eating disorder.