The findings support that weight and exercise frequency affect eating disorder symptoms and body image disturbance. Males appear to exhibit body image disturbance, which is related to their current weight status. Results support the call for further development of measures that more adequately address male concerns.

Researchers can overcome difficulties with recruitment and implementation encountered by previous eating disorder prevention efforts by understanding targeted groups' opinions about such programs. Treatment acceptability methodology provides a framework to examine the social validity of interventions. Using this methodology, the acceptability of programs was examined with an often-targeted group. The study also assessed opinions of this group about the importance of prevention and methods of implementation. Male and female undergraduates (N = 347) rated the acceptability of sample programs. Results indicated that programs focused on information about eating disorders and their consequences were rated most acceptable. Participants felt programs should be offered to adolescents, within the school system, but ratings of the importance of eating disorder prevention were somewhat disappointing.