Eating disorder variables and self image in Italian girls attending a weight control clinic

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate eating disorder variables and self image in Italian female adolescents asking for a weight control treatment. METHOD: Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (1991) and Offer Self-Image questionnaire (1989) were administered; 100 subjects (75 outpatients and 25 controls) were enrolled over a period of three months and divided into three study groups (normal, overweight and obese), and one control group. RESULTS: The relationship between BMI and problematic personality traits tends to be linear and positive. Obese adolescent females describe themselves in more negative terms than non-obese individuals and show a psychological profile similar to individuals with eating disorders, especially for Drive for Thinness and Interoceptive Awareness. Even in the absence of overt mental pathology, obesity can result associated to a psychological distress and it's a risk factor for mental health.