Prevention of eating disorders: 2021 in review

ABSTRACT

This review of 19 prevention-related publications in Eating Disorders during 2021 is framed by four models: (1) Mental Health Intervention Spectrum: health promotion → types of prevention → case identification/referral → treatment; (2) the prevention cycle: rationale and theory, shaped by critical reviews → clarifying risk and protective factors → program innovation and feasibility studies → efficacy and effectiveness research → program dissemination; (3) links between disordered eating (DE) and eating disorders (EDs); and (4) Kraemer and Jacobi’s criteria for variable, causal risk factors (RFs). Twelve articles demonstrated the strengths and limitations of cross-sectional investigations of RFs for DE and EDs: five explored the role of trauma in activating genetic and psychological RFs (e.g., anxiety and experiential avoidance), while five suggest other variables meriting further evaluation: ergogenic supplement use, “feeling fat,” internalized weight bias, food insecurity, and compulsive exercising. One article presents a pilot program that reduced risk factors in a high-risk group: professional ballerinas. Implications of the absence of efficacy, effectiveness, dissemination, and advocacy studies, along with the need to develop tailored programs for various high-risk groups, are discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. The program has already been expanded to six lessons; see https://www.dove.com/us/en/dove-self-esteem-project/school-workshops-on-body-image-confident-me/confident-me-six-sessions.html).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.