Eating disorder symptoms among medical students at Suez Canal university

Abstract EN

Background: Eating disorders are characterized by a persistent disturbance of eating or eating-related behavior that results in altered consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical health or psychosocial functioning.

Medical students exposed to stress, who also express dissatisfaction about their body shape and weight could be at risk of developing eating disorders.

Aim: Symptom prevalence rates associated with eating disorders were assessed in 122 medical students.

Methods: A convenience sample of 122 undergraduates attending Suez Canal University were assessed using a demographics questionnaire, the eating attitude test (EAT -26), the body shape questionnaire (BSQ) and self-reported BMI levels.

Results: Results revealed 45.9% of participants had symptoms associated with eating disorders with the majority being women.

There was a significant correlation between having symptoms of eating disorders and feeling dissatisfied about body shape.

Dissatisfaction and concern about weight was related to higher BMI, especially among overweight or obese participants, and the presence of symptoms of eating disorders was higher in this group.

Conclusion: Medical students are under high levels of stress, which is an important indicator when considering the development of eating disorders.

A high percentage had symptoms of eating disorders together with low self-esteem and dissatisfaction about body shape found mainly among overweight or obese women.