These behaviours have been suggested as possible risk factors for the development of eating disorders. Little is known about how these body image- and weight-related concerns arise. Today, more than ever, adolescents are prone to concerns about their weight, shape, size and body image, and as a result, diet to lose weight ( 2– 5). Approximately 1% to 5% of adolescent girls meet the criteria for bulimia nervosa ( 1).
The reported prevalence rate for anorexia nervosa is 0.48% among girls 15 to 19 years old.
Epidemiological studies have suggested that the incidence of eating disorders among adolescent girls has increased over the last 50 years.
