This study provides information supporting the seven-item and three-factor version, rather than the original or eight-item versions of the EDE-Q. In the future, the adapted version of the EDE-Q will make it possible to draw comparisons between Mexican samples in other socio-cultural contexts. Future research is required to continue refining the instruments to achieve more representative results from the general ED population.

IntroductionThe beginning of college studies involves important stress, which is related to an increase in the incidence of depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and DEB. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between DEB and nutritional status measured with BMI, its association with demographic and psychological variables, and the interaction with BMI. MethodA sample of 892 college students in their freshman year (502 females and 390 males) (X age =19.7; SD=2.9) was studied. Weight and height were measured, and validated questionnaires were used. ResultsThe prevalence of DEB was 6.1% in females and 4.1% in males. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in females was 22.6%, and 7.4% and 26.6% and 9.3% in males, respectively. Among women and men with obesity 10.8% and 11.1% showed high-DEB, whilst among overweight women and men 13.2% and 3.8% showed high-DEB, respectively. BMI increases the risk for DEB 1.6 times among women (p < 0.05), 1.4 times among men (p > 0.05). There was no interaction found between BMI and the other variables. Discussion and conclusionThe variables related with body image increase the risk of DEB significantly (p < 0.05) in both sexes. Depressive symptoms, low self-steem increase the risk among women, and socioeconomic status and study area increase the risk of DEB among men. The specific research of DEB among males is highly recommended to avoid the under registration of cases.

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Objective. To estimate the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and identify their associations with demographic and psychological variables among freshman students at a public university in Mexico City. Materials and methods. A sample of 892 subjects participated in the study. Bivariate and multinomial models were performed to determine associations between DEB and covariates. Results. Of those surveyed, 6.8% of the women and 4.1% of the men exhibited DEB (p<0.05). The variables increasing the risk of eating disorders (ED) for women were internalization of the aesthetic thin ideal (IATI), body mass index (BMI), self-esteem and physical activity, while for men they were IATI, drive for muscularity, and self-esteem. Conclusions. The frequency of DEB among women and men and the internalization of the thin ideal in both sexes suggest the possibility of a change in the precursor conditions for eating disorders, particularly for men, who exhibit increased risk of such behaviors.

It is essential to include issues linked to parental criticism of their bodies in interventions to prevent eating disorders in college students. Level of evidence V, cross-sectional descriptive study.