Primary prevention of risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls: Learning from practice

Abstract
Objective This study evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of a primary prevention program for risk factors for eating disorders in adolescent girls. Method Nearly 500 seventh‐grade girls participated in “Full of Ourselves: Advancing Girl Power, Health, and Leadership,” and were assessed at baseline, immediately after program completion, and 6 months later on several self‐report measures of knowledge, body image, and eating and weight‐related behaviors. Results Significant differences were found between participants and controls on measures of knowledge and weight‐related body esteem, which were maintained at 6‐month follow‐up. Eating related behaviors, including skipping meals and dieting, appeared unaffected by program participation. Discussion The program was feasible, safe, and resulted in positive and maintained changes in knowledge and weight satisfaction for adolescent girls. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 401–411, 2002.