Obesity and eating disorders more common than once thought, Deakin University research reveals

THE prevalence of Australians who are both obese and have an eating disorder is increasing, according to Melbourne researchers who are working to untangle the shared risk factors.

THE prevalence of Australians who are both obese and have an eating disorder is increasing according to Melbourne researchers, who are working to untangle the shared risk factors.

Deakin University researchers have teamed up with universities from nine other countries to survey 6000 young adults with the aim of uncovering triggers for both, to design better early interventions.

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Dr Gemma Tatangelo, from Deakin’s School of Psychology, said given that people suffering bulimia or binge eating were more likely to be obese, it was important to uncover whether obesity was a precursor to an eating disorder, or vice versa.

“Body dissatisfaction is a risk factor for obesity and eating disorders, and particularly weight-related teasing in childhood,” Dr Tatangelo said.

A quarter of Australian adults are overweight or obese.

“Lower self-esteem can also be a risk factor for both, and so are unhealthy and extreme weight control behaviours.

“These parallels have led researchers to ask if these conditions are completely distinct, or whether they’re part of a spectrum of eating problems.

“Designing interventions that could be rolled out simultaneously is important from a practicality point of view, time and health spending.”

It is estimated that one in six Australian adults have an eating disorder, while at least a quarter of adults are overweight or obese.

At least 600 Australians aged 18-30 are needed to complete the anonymous online survey.

Body dissatisfaction is a risk factor for obesity and eating disorders.

“Eating disorders and obesity can happen definitely happen across the lifespan, but the transition between late adolescence to early adulthood seems to be quite a risky period,” she said.

“It’s during this time people move away from the family, there is increased independence, different social relationships and more inconsistent eating patterns.”

Take the survey at www.bit.ly/Obesity_DisorderedEating