Disordered eating behaviors in adolescents and adults living in the same household in metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors among adolescents and adults living in the same household.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study developed with a probabilistic sample of 511 adolescents and 1254 adults living in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The frequency of binge eating, purging, and strict dieting or fasting over the previous 6 months was ascertained using a self-report questionnaire.

Results: Binge eating (20.0% vs. 8.4%), strict dieting or fasting (18.9% vs. 2.4%), and purging (3.3% vs. 2.2%) were more frequent among adolescents than adults. There was a significant association between frequency of binge eating and strict dieting or fasting in adults and in adolescents living in the same household.

Conclusion: The presence of disordered eating behaviors in adults may be a risk factor for the development of eating disorders in adolescents living in the same household. Thus, the development and implementation of eating disorder interventions should consider incorporating a family component.

Keywords: Adults; Binge eating; Disordered eating; Low socioeconomic status; Strict dieting; Teenagers.