Eating Disorders and Their Association with Depression and Anxiety Among Medical Students: A Saudi Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Eating disorders (EDs) are important mental illnesses that are often associated with depression and anxiety, leading to significant negative consequences. However, research on this topic in Saudi Arabia remains limited. This study aims to examine the risk of EDs among male and female medical students at King Saud University (KSU) and assess their risk factors and association with anxiety and depression. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 425 participants was conducted, using a convenience sampling method. The study tools consisted of a questionnaire developed by the research team, the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7). Results: Almost half (49.6%) were classified as high risk for EDs. Obesity was much higher among high-risk students than low-risk students (p < 0.001). Anxiety and depression were greater among high-risk students than low-risk ones. A higher body mass index (BMI) and depression greatly increased the risk of EDs (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The findings support the notion that medical students have a significant likelihood of developing EDs, especially if they have a high BMI and are depressed. The results show the importance of early identification and offering appropriate interventions to this vulnerable group.