Eating attitudes in college males

Three hundred and forty male college students participated in a survey study of eating attitudes. Participants completed a survey including demographic data, a weight history, and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Twelve subjects or 3.5% of the population had elevated scores of 20 or above on the EAT-26. Elevated scores correlated significantly with body building and with a past history of obesity. Fully 65% of the men reported weighing within 5 percentage points of their ideal weight. The authors suggest that males who are overinvested in their bodies and physical appearances are at higher risk for developing eating disorders.