[FAMILY EATING HABITS AND PERCEPTION OF RISK IN EATING DISORDERS]

factors related to food, shape, weight and exercise, transmitted from parents to children, and media sociocultural factors, such as social networks, also influence the development of Eating Disorders (ED).

to analyse the influence of family eating habits and the parents perception about the influence of social networks on the development and maintenance of ED.

30 parents of ED patients participated voluntarily in this study fulfilling a series of questionnaires, as well as reporting their weight and height.

it is observed an underestimation of weight in the case of overweight (33.33%) and obesity (35%) without considering the fact of going on diet in the future (χ2 = 11.31; p < 0.01). It must be noted that it exists an excessive consumption of meats, snacks and sweets. During weekends it is observed an increased intake of calories and sugar (p < 0.01) and cholesterol (p < 0.05), while the intake of fibre, iron, zinc and magnesium is reduced (p < 0.01). In addition, the consumption of water and bread decreases and other habits seem to be more relevant (e.g. snacking, intake of a single dish) (p < 0.05).

eating habits of ED patients' families improve by means of the nutrition education included in the treatment. Relatives do not perceive adequately the risk of the social networks in their children, which might contribute to the maintenance and future relapses of ED.