Prevalence and Factors Associated with the Risk of Eating Disorders Among Medical Students

Background/Objectives: Eating disorders (EDs) represent a growing mental health concern in university populations, particularly among medical students, due to academic demands and psychosocial factors associated with their training. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of symptoms suggestive of EDs and to analyze associated factors among undergraduate medical students during 2026. Methods: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted among 167 medical students. Symptoms suggestive of EDs were assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), with a score ≥ 20 defining high risk. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed, along with a multivariate logistic regression model to identify associated factors. Results: The prevalence of high risk for EDs was 19% (n = 31). Women showed a higher prevalence of high risk compared to men (25% vs. 8.1%; p = 0.007), along with significantly higher scores in the Dieting (p = 0.014) and Oral Control (p = 0.007) domains. In the multivariate analysis, female sex (aOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.12-8.19; p = 0.029) and being enrolled in the basic-science semesters (I-III) (aOR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.05-7.47; p = 0.041) were identified as independent associated factors. Co-occurring anxiety and depression was the most frequent psychiatric history among affected students. Conclusions: One in five students presented symptoms suggesting a high risk for EDs. Female sex and early-stage medical training were the main associated factors, identifying priority groups for early detection strategies and mental health promotion in the university setting.