Eating disorders are increasing in frequency among adolescents. The active duty military population has a high prevalence of eating disorders. This study, conducted at a major medical center, determined the prevalence of disordered eating among military dependents and the correlation between adolescent and parent eating behaviors. Three hundred forty adolescent and parent pairs completed the Eating Attitude Test-26 question-based survey. Twenty-one percent of the adolescents and 26% of the parents met the criteria for disordered eating, with a strong correlation between at-risk parents and their adolescent daughters. Overall, the rate of disordered eating in this military sample was significantly higher than the comparable civilian population. Military families should be considered at high risk for disordered eating and eating disorders. Screening for disordered eating should be incorporated into routine practice to identify at-risk individuals.

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It was rapidly recognized we were unprepared to address this new problem fully.