Prevention of Body Dissatisfaction and Disordered Eating: What Next?

Abstract

Eating disorder prevention is a young field that has made significant strides in the past two decades. It is timely to take a look back at what we have learned during this period in order to begin to address the question, “What next?” This paper considers several key issues based upon a review of the literature and the authors' perspectives. Topics discussed include: (1) environmental approaches; (2) global mental health versus eating disorder specific interventions; (3) participatory approaches; (4) the integration of obesity and eating disorder prevention; (5) boys; (6) program evaluation; and (7) whether we know enough to move ahead.

This manuscript was prepared during the sabbatical leave of the first author (DNS), who visited the other authors throughout the year to discuss different aspects of eating disorder prevention. DNS acknowledges her home division at the University of Minnesota, the Dannon Institute, and the Institute for Advanced Studies at La Trobe University for their support of her sabbatical leave.

Notes

Family and Community Development Committee. (2005). Inquiry into issues relating to the development of body image among young people and associated effects on their health and well-being. Parliamentary Paper No. 142—Session 2003–05. Parliament of Victoria, Australia.