The Prevention of Eating Disorders: A Review of the Research on Risk Factors With Implications for Practice

TOPIC: Eating disorders are a significant health problem among children and adolescents. A synthesis of recent research findings on the risk factors for eating disorders describes prevention strategies for practice. PURPOSE: To present research findings on risk factors for eating disorders that specifically relate to prevention for advanced practice. Current investigations are reviewed and critiqued for biologic, psychological, family, and sociocultural risk factors. A critique of the research and findings from important studies describes strategies for prevention of eating disorders for advanced practice. SOURCES: Published literature and clinical and research expertise of the author. CONCLUSIONS: Identifiable risk factors for eating disorders are found in children as well as adolescents. Findings from risk factor research provide the advanced practice nurse strategies for prevention of eating disorders. Few prevention programs exist; even fewer have been tested. An important clinical and research focus for advanced practice nurses is the prevention of eating disorders.