Preventing a Continuum of Disordered Eating: Going Beyond the Individual

Efforts aimed at the prevention of eating disorders need to consider the context within which these disorders develop and aim to promote not only healthy eating and physical activity but also address mental health factors, such as body image. Exploring the relationship between body image and eating disorders will provide a foundation and further our understanding of the continuum of attitudes and behaviors that lead to disordered eating. Eating disorder prevention research indicates that environmental, wellness-based approaches that target all stakeholders may be the most effective. To design effective wellness-based programs and prevent inadvertent escalation of the very behaviors and attitudes targeted for prevention, programming must be developmentally appropriate, continuously reinforced, and focus on healthy change within the individual as well as in the environment. Practical strategies with both a broad wellness focus and specific risk focus are outlined for professionals working with youth with body image concerns.