Risk factors for the development of eating disorders in adolescent exchange students: an exploratory survey

A pragmatic approach to the prevention of eating disorders involves the study of individuals at high risk for the development of these disorders. A clinical survey of 14 adolescent exchange students who were diagnosed as eating disorder patients confirms our hypothesis that several of the predisposing or precipitating factors mentioned in the literature must be present for the disorder to occur. It is concluded that the prevention of eating disorders among the high risk population of exchange students should focus on an early detection of adolescent identity problems, relational difficulties and an accentuated sensitivity to weight issues.